Robert Nozick : Property, Justice and the Minimal State

ISBN-13: 9780745606033 / Angielski / Miękka / 1991 / 184 str.

Jonathan Wolff

Opis

This is a study of Nozick's work and the debates to which it has given rise. It locates Nozick's work in the complex of current philosophical and political debates, and explores the influences on his work. It then proceeds to a more detailed analysis of Anarchy, State and Utopia, concentrating on Nozick's doctrine of rights, the minimal role he assigns to the state and his theory of justice. The book argues that many of the libertarian theories put forward by Nozick lack a convincing justification.

Recenzje

′A very clear exposition ... incisive and illuminating ... it is hard to see how the book could be bettered, and it will be eagerly pounced upon by every student who hopes to answer a ′Nozick question′ in finals.′ Political Studies

′Thorough and lucrid...′ The Philosopher

′An intelligent, attractively written and smartly argued discussion.′ Philosophical Quarterly

Spis treści

Introduction.

I: Nozick′s Libertarianism.

II: Libertarian Rights.

III: Defending the Minimal State.

IV: The Entitlement Theory of Justice.

V: Nozick and Political Philosophy.

Notes.

Guide to Further Reading.

Bibliography.

Blurb

Robert Nozick′s Anarchy, State and Utopia is one of the works which dominates contemporary debate in political philosophy. Drawing on traditional assumptions associated with individualism and libertarianism, Nozick mounts a powerful argument for a minimal `nightwatchman′ state and challenges the views of many contemporary philosophers, most notably John Rawls.

Jonathan Wolff′s new book is the first full–length study of Nozick′s work and of the debates to which it has given rise. He situates Nozick′s work in the context of current debates and examines the traditions which have influenced his thought. He then critically reconstructs the key arguments of Anarchy, State and Utopia, focusing on Nozick′s Doctrine of Rights, his Derivation of the Minimal State, and his Entitlement Theory of Justice. The book concludes by assessing Nozick′s place in contemporary political philosophy.