Description
Book SynopsisLibertarianism: For and Against offers dueling perspectives on the scope of legitimate government. Tibor R. Machan, a well-known political philosopher with libertarian convictions, argues for a minimal government devoted solely to protecting individual rights to life, liberty, and property. Stressing the sovereignty of each individual, Machan argues in favor of limiting democracy''s scope and against the redistribution of wealth, or any other sort of taxation. In opposition to libertarianism, philosopher Craig Duncan defends democratic liberalism, which aims to ensure that all citizens have fair access to a life of dignity. This requires measures to protect equality of opportunity, as well as measures to ensure all have access to a decent minimum standard of living. In a dynamic exchange of arguments, critiques, and rebuttals, the two philosophers cut to the heart of this important debate, articulating and defending competing conceptions of such core values as political freedom and equality.
Trade Review<|>Libertarianism: For and Against<|> is a lucid introduction to a central debate in current political philosophy. The elegant format of the book is highly accessible and free of jargon, always conversational in tone without sacrificing rigor. I recommend this book for undergraduate political theory courses. Students will respond to the engaging discussions of contemporary political controversies. The book will stimulate lively classroom dialogue.... -- Jeffrey Brand-Ballard, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, The George Washington University
In Libertarianism: For and Against, Machan and Duncan offer us a clear, accessible and insightful debate on this perennial philosophical issue. They effectively integrate examples from contemporary political systems and current arguments in political philosophy with arguments from canonical figures, such as Locke and Kant. This book provides a lively and engaging introduction to the issue, developing clear lines of argumentttt -- Christopher Ciocchetti, Department of Philosophy, Centenary College of Louisiana
A readable introduction that still challenges the its readers and ultimately requires them to formulate their own opinions. * Political Studies Review *
A vigorous, comprehensive, timely, and accessible debate between libertarian Machan and liberal Duncan. Required reading for anyone interested in understanding the perennial conflict between two of the most intuitive yet profoundly opposed political philosophies. A wonderful book. -- Owen McLeod, Department of Philosophy, Lafayette College
In Libertarianism: For and Against, Machan and Duncan offer us a clear, accessible and insightful debate on this perennial philosophical issue. They effectively integrate examples from contemporary political systems and current arguments in political philosophy with arguments from canonical figures, such as Locke and Kant. This book provides a lively and engaging introduction to the issue, developing clear lines of argument -- Christopher Ciocchetti, Department of Philosophy, Centenary College of Louisiana
Libertarianism: For and Against is a lucid introduction to a central debate in current political philosophy. The elegant format of the book is highly accessible and free of jargon, always conversational in tone without sacrificing rigor. I recommend this book for undergraduate political theory courses. Students will respond to the engaging discussions of contemporary political controversies. The book will stimulate lively classroom dialogue. -- Jeffrey Brand-Ballard, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, The George Washington University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Acknowledgements Chapter 2 Foreword Chapter 3 A Note to Readers Part 4 Part 1 Chapter 5 The Case for Libertarianism: Sovereign Individuals Chapter 6 The Errors of Libertarianism Chapter 7 Fairness-or Equality-is no Imperative Part 8 Part 2 Chapter 9 Democratic Liberalism: The Politics of Dignity Chapter 10 The Follies of Democratic "Liberalism" Chapter 11 Democratic Liberalism Defended Chapter 12 Index
