Description
Book SynopsisJustice as Right Actions presents an original theory of justice anchored in the analytical philosophical tradition. In contrast to many contemporary approaches, the theory provides normative guidance, rather than focusing solely on political structures and institutions, as the question of justice is seen to comprise both a moral inquiry concerned with questions of good and bad, right and wrong, and a political inquiry, concerned with the nature of the polity and how individuals relate to it. Presenting a relational account of justice, rather than a distributive account the latter, so much more prevalent in current studies communications are seen as the key to the theory, both in the substantive sense as a discursive method of resolving disputes, as well as instrumentally, in the transmission of concepts, especially values through time.Rule-oriented in approach, justice as right actions attempts to be value-neutral, acknowledging, however, an underlying thin theory of the good, includ
Trade ReviewYoung Kim provides a new theory of justice as right action, based on a grand synthesis of some of the most important contemporary moral and political philosophers. He insists that justice is first and foremost a moral concept but one that has political dimensions. This classical view runs counter to many contemporary attempts to separate the right from the good or to define justice as a political virtue and value. His conception of justice as right action shifts attention back to specifying the nature of morally right action within diverse moral contexts. In working through his argument students and scholars will confront some of the most important questions of moral and political philosophy. This an ambitious and thought provoking book. -- Paul Kelly, London School of Economics
Table of ContentsPart One: The Theory of Justice as Right Actions Chapter 1 Introduction: The Theory and How it Operates Part Two: Moral Dimensions Chapter 2 Agency and Responsibility: Action-Guiding Principles Chapter 3 Moral-Decision-Making and Relational Justice Part Three: Political Liberalism Chapter 4 Values and Liberalism Chapter 5 Utility and the Harm Principle Chapter 6 Liberty Chapter 7 Equality Part Four: The Reach of the Theory Chapter 8 Global Justice Chapter 9 Future Obligations of Justice Part Five: Contemporary Disputes: The Power of Groups Chapter 10 Group Rights Chapter 11 Communities Chapter 12 Multiculturalism and the Limits of Liberalism Conclusion Works Cited About the Author Index
