Description
Book SynopsisThis book brings a new perspectivemainly out of German intellectual discussions rooted in Hegelto bear on the problems of equality as discussed in Anglo-American conceptions of liberalism. Menke argues that the idea of equality is at the heart of political modernity. At the same time, political modernity is characterized by an attitude of critical reflection on the notion of equality in view of its consequences for the lives of individuals. This book explores the sources and legitimacy as well as the limitations and problems of this attitude toward equality in the work of such thinkers as Adorno, Habermas, Derrida, Hegel, Luhmann, Nietzsche, Rawls, and Schmitt. Looking at key texts in modern political philosophy, the author develops the claim that there is a basic and irreconcilable conflict in justice: between general demands of equality and attention to the individual. In a debate with contemporary Anglo-American liberal philosophy's concepts of rights, the political process is th
Trade Review
"Reflections of Equality comes at a timely moment. There is an enormous appetite for material on equality and a dissatisfaction with the state of the discussion. This highly informed book, written from a continental perspective, makes the current dilemma about the role of equality in political thought all the more striking. Menke is one of the best of the newer generation of German philosophers." —Terry Pinkard, Georgetown University
"Menke's contribution to the debate over political equality is significant...It is no small feat tha Menke has incorporated the work of Rawls into his Hegelian studies; for this alone he should be commended." —Philosophy in Review/Comptes Rendus Philosophiques
Table of Contents
@fmct:Contents @toc1:Part I A Questioning of Equality @toc2:1 The Self-Reflection of Equality 000 2 Genealogy, Deconstruction, Critique: Three Forms of the Questioning of Morality 000 Annex to Chapter Two: Ability and Faith: the Possibility of Justice 000 @toc1:Part II Equality and Individuality @toc2:3 Equality and Coercion: a Hermeneutic Limit of Modern Self-Reflection 000 4 Liberalism in Conflict. Between Justice and Freedom 000 @toc1:Part III Forms of Sovereignty 5 The Permanence of Revolution 000 6 Mercy and Law. Carl Schmitt's Concept of Sovereignty 000 @toc4:Notes 000 Index 000
