Description
Book SynopsisA critical evaluation of Rawlsian and Habermasian paradigms of political philosophy that offers an interpretation and defense of Habermas's theory of law and democracy as a superior alternative to Rawls's political liberalism.
Trade Review"This book is a highly informed, scholarly and very readable discussion of the differences between the two leading political theorists of the last half-century—Rawls and Habermas. Hedrick offers a careful analysis of Habermas's political philosophy and does a superb job of developing immanently some of the tensions and difficulties in Rawls's evolving account of constructivism. The result is a lively engagement with the ideas of these two important theorists and one that is sure to invite a response, especially from those who are more sympathetic to Rawls's political constructivism than Habermas's reconstructive project." -- Kenneth Baynes
"This book offers a carefully argued and meticulously constructed comparison of Rawls and Habermas. But more than that, it celebrates the power of political philosophy. Hedrick defends political philosophy as a thoroughly normative enterprise in search of big answers to big questions. This refreshing embrace of the meta-narrative is tempered by a sensitive understanding of some of the dangers facing grand theory building in an age of pluralism. While he does not agree with everything that Rawls and Habermas say, he enthusiastically endorses what they set out to do with the traditional tools of political philosophy." -- Simone Chambers
"This book explores the political philosophies of John Rawls and Jürgen Habermas . . . Hedrick provides a very helpful description of Habermas's political philosophy, the criticisms it has received, and the ways those criticisms might be met." -- Christopher McMahon *
Social Theory and Practice *
