Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory

PART ONE: CONTEMPORARY LIBERAL THEORY Rawls and Justice as Fairness Introduction The Original Position Equal Opportunity Cohen's Egalitarian Critique The Principles that Apply to Individuals Who are the Least Advantaged? Beitz on Global Justice A Political Conception of Justice Nozick and the Entitlement Theory of Justice Introduction The State: Is it Necessary? Wilt Chamberlain and the Entitlement Theory The Principle of Initial Acquisition The Principle of Rectification Conclusion: Self Ownership and Private Property Gauthier and Justice as Mutual Advantage Introduction Hobbes and the State of Nature Gauthier and the Compliance Problem What is a Rational Bargain? The Limits of Justice as Mutual Advantage Dworkin on Equality Introduction Dworkin on Equality of Resources Welfare Reform and the Basic Income Proposal Political Equality and Democracy Against Luck Egalitarianism PART TWO: ALTERNATIVE TRADITIONS Communitarianism Introduction Deontological Liberalism and the Unencumbered Self State Neutrality Walzer on Complex Equality Miller on Nationalism Conclusion Multiculturalism Introduction: The Politics of Recognition Kymlicka and the Rights of National Minorities Polyethnic Rights Barry Against Multiculturalism Deliberative Democracy Introduction: The Importance of Democracy Moving Beyond the Aggregated Model of Democracy How Substantive are the Principles of Democracy Retaining the Critical Edge of Deliberative Democracy Critically Assessing the Ideal of Deliberative Democracy Feminism Introduction Liberal Feminism The Public/Private Dichotomy The Politics of Difference Conclusion

This book gives an admirably lucid and careful account of the central controversies and sites of disagreement in political theory over the last thirty years; it does not sacrifice theoretical sophistication and nuance for the sake of clarity and accessibility, but rather achieves both. The book provides an up to date account of how things stand currently in political philosophy, and will provide an excellent introduction for students from any background. Reading this book will also greatly benefit anyone interested in how the most important contemporary political philosophers and theorists have approached the question of how we ought to live together. Dr Catriona McKinnon, Lecturer in Political Philosophy, University of York. Colin Farrelly has gathered together in one volume several of the key texts that have shaped recent developments in political theory. The editor's introductions to each section make the readings themselves more accessible to students who are new to the subject by locating them in a broader context. They also also provide helfpul outlines of some of the other major theoretical contributions to the schools of thought that are covered. The structure of the book refelcts that of many courses offering surveys of recent debates between liberals and their critics. It is an excellent teaching resource. Shane O'Neill, Professor of Political Theory (and Head of the School of Politics and International Studies), Queen's University, Belfast.