As a central concept in moral and political philosophy, "autonomy" is generally understood as some form of self-governance or self-direction. Certain Stoics, modern philosophers such as Spinoza, and, most importantly, Immanuel Kant, are among the great philosophers who have offered important insights on the concept. Some theorists analyze autonomy as it relates to the self being moved by its higher-order desires. Others argue that it must be understood as it relates to acting from reason or from a sense of moral duty independent of passion. The essays in this volume analyze the concept and...

These essays examine the nature of self-interest and the relationship between rationality and morality. Some challenge the assumption that morality is exclusively concerned with the pursuit of the good of others, arguing that self-interest can be a legitimate moral motive. Some ask whether it is possible to resolve the apparent conflict between self-interest and morality by appealing to some third, overarching standard, or by showing that self-regard and regard for others share significant common features or spring from a common source. Others explore the relationship between self-interest...

Freedom of expression will, as the essays in this volume illuminate, encounter new and continuing controversies in the twenty-first century. Advances in digital technology raise pressing questions regarding freedom of speech and, with it, intellectual property and privacy rights. Cyberspace looms as a relatively uncharted frontier for free speech and copyright law, and expressive liberties may face their greatest challenge from government efforts to thwart terrorism.

This volume examines human flourishing and its relationship to other key concepts in moral theory. Some essays question whether a theory of human nature can allow us to develop an objective list of goods valuable to all agents. Some look at the role of relationships in a good life, or ask whether an ethical theory based on human flourishing can accommodate concern for others. Other essays analyze the function of social-political institutions in promoting the flourishing of individuals. Still others explore the implications of flourishing for political theory and principles of social justice.

The essays in this volume assess the strength and impact of market liberal or libertarian political theory, which, broadly conceived, advocates a more carefully circumscribed role for the state and a greater reliance on the ability of individuals and voluntary, private-sector institutions to confront social problems. They offer insights into the limits of government, develop market-oriented solutions to pressing social problems, and explore some defects in traditional libertarian theory and practice.

What constitutes a just tax system, and what are its moral foundations� Should a society's tax regime be designed to achieve a just distribution of wealth among its citizens, or should such a regime be designed to promote economic growth, rising standards of living, and increasing levels of employment� Are these two goals compatible or incompatible� Why should justice not require, or at least lead to, an increase in general prosperity� The essays in this volume examine the history of tax policies and the normative principles that have informed the selection of...

Essays by prominent contemporary philosophers exploring how questions of law were addressed by ancient political thinkers.

The essays in this volume explore questions about democracy that are relevant to political philosophy and political theory. Some examine the difficulties involved in determining and carrying out the will of the people; some address questions relating to the kinds of influence citizens can or should have over their representatives. Other essays analyze democratic institutions, while still others examine the relationship between democracy and value pluralism, or consider the suitability of democracy as a form of government in non-Western societies.

The essays is this volume--written by prominent philosophers and academic lawyers--examine various aspects of both the right to privacy and the roles that this right plays in moral philosophy, legal theory, and public policy. Some of the essays discuss possible justifications for privacy rights, basing them on classical liberal principles or the considerations of moral pluralism. Other essays examine the role that privacy plays in American consitutional theory. Still others assess how privacy considerations affect certain issues in medical ethics, such as the proper extent of access to...

Do we desire things because they are good, or are they good because we desire them? Objectivists answer that we desire things because they are good; subjectivists answer that things are good because we desire them. Further, does it make sense to account for moral disagreement by claiming, as the moral relativist does, that something might be good for one person but not for another? Some essays in this book consider whether objective moral truths can be grounded in an understanding of the nature of human beings as rational and social animals. Some discuss the ethical theories of historical...