Ethics and Political TheoryUniversity Press of America, 2000 - 251 pages In Ethics and Political Theory, Joseph Grcic explores the ways in which the ideas of John Rawls can be implemented to realize the ideals of liberal democracy. Many of the essays evaluate Rawls' discussion of the relationship between liberal democratic equality and economic liberty. Grcic argues that Rawls has not fully considered how differences in income and wealth restrict political equality in Western capitalist democracies. However, Grcic contends that a practical extension of Rawls' theory does suggest ways to reform democratic societies. These include the public financing of all election campaigns and free legal representation. In an attempt to clarify the nature and foundations of political power, Grcic also advocates a new approach to ethics, which focuses on the social functions of moral values rather than individual agency. This book is unique in its attempt to deal with both theoretical and applied questions, making it an important resource for philosophers and those interested in actual political reform. |
Contents
INTRODUCTION | 1 |
TYPES OF ETHICAL THEORY | 7 |
MORALITY AND COMMUNITY | 31 |
TRUTH IN ETHICS | 53 |
ERRORS IN MORAL REASONING | 71 |
KANT AND RAWLS ON MORAL THEORY | 95 |
TYPES OF POLITICAL THEORY | 103 |
ROUSSEAU AND RAWLS ON THE SOCIAL CONTRACT | 129 |
DEMOCRACY IN THE CORPORATION | 169 |
RAWLS AND THE RIGHT TO POLITICAL LEAVE | 179 |
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND MASS MEDIA | 193 |
JUSTICE AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION | 207 |
THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY | 217 |
EQUALITY AND THE FAMILY | 227 |
ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY | 243 |
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | |
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Common terms and phrases
action argued argument Aristotle autonomy basic structure behavior beliefs campaign candidates categorical imperative claim conception conflict consistent corporation critics cultural defended defined democracy democratic deontological economic inequality emotions emotivism ethics example exist fact foundation free speech freedom goals happiness harm Harm Principle Hobbes human nature Ibid ideas individuals institutions John Rawls Kant Kant's knowledge liberty limited Marx mass media maxim means metaethics Metaphysics of Morals Mill Mill's moral norms moral relativism moral rules moral system moral theory necessary needs one's parents persons philosophers Plato political power political theory principles of justice problem procedural justice R. M. Hare rational Rawls calls reason reflective equilibrium Reiss relativism relevant requires right to free right to privacy role Rousseau self-interest social contract society specific tenure Theory of Justice tradition truth universal universalizability utilitarianism values violation virtue welfare