1st Edition

Social and Political Philosophy Contemporary Perspectives

Edited By James P. Sterba Copyright 2001

    Social and Political Philosophy introduces some of the most important topics in contemporary political philosophy and questions whether these can be accommodated within the framework of liberal theory. It consists of specially written essays by prominent figures in social and political philosophy. Each essay carefully considers both the theoretical and practical problems of a major topic. Traditional perspectives are balanced with new challenges. Topics include:
    * Moral Methodology
    * Libertarianism
    * Socialism
    * Lesbian and Gay Perspectives
    * Feminism
    * Racial and Multicultural Perspectives
    * Rationality
    * Welfare Liberalism
    * Environmentalism
    * Virtue Ethics and Community
    * Just War Theory and Pacifism
    * Civil Disobedience.

    Notes on contributors, Preface, PART I Introduction, PART II Foundations of social and political philosophy, PART III Alternative social and political perspectives, PART IV Challenges to social and political philosophy, PART V The application of social and political philosophy to nonideal conditions, Index

    Biography

    James P. Sterba

    'John Christman has a wonderful grasp of the large layout of the field and of the detailed positions within it. He writes with tremendous clarity. It was a joy to read. I can't recommend the book more highly.' - Michael Morgan, Indiana University, USA

    'Reading John Christman's Social and Political Philosophy, I marvel at how well he has been able to capture particularly the internal critique among liberals concerning the substance of their view. Christman is also an important contributor to this discussion himself and, therefore, he writes not only as someone who simply observes this discussion from afar. This is a clear advantage to the work... I would like to use it in one of my Social and Political Philosophy courses.' - James Sterba, Notre Dame University, USA