Natural Rights Liberalism from Locke to Nozick: Volume 22, Part 1

This collection of essays honors the late philosopher Robert Nozick, exploring critiques of his political philosophy and examining earlier liberal thinkers like John Locke, alongside discussions on natural rights liberalism's key principles.

Natural Rights Liberalism from Locke to Nozick: Volume 22, Part 1 is a thoughtful collection of essays honoring the legacy of philosopher Robert Nozick, who passed away in 2002. Nozick's influential work, Anarchy, State, and Utopia, published in 1974, sparked a renewed interest in natural rights liberalism, a political philosophy that had been overshadowed by various competing ideologies, including utilitarianism and collectivism. This volume seeks to explore the evolution and significance of natural rights liberalism through the lens of both Nozick's ideas and those of earlier thinkers.

The contributors to this collection offer a range of critiques and analyses regarding Nozick's political philosophy. Some essays engage directly with his arguments, assessing their strengths and weaknesses in the context of contemporary political discourse. Others delve into the historical foundations of liberal thought, particularly focusing on John Locke, whose Second Treatise of Government laid crucial groundwork for modern democratic principles. Locke's influence on the American founders is a recurring theme, demonstrating the enduring relevance of natural rights in shaping political thought.

In addition to critiques of Nozick and examinations of Locke, several authors in this volume investigate the core doctrines of natural rights liberalism itself. By addressing both historical and contemporary perspectives, the collection provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical landscape surrounding natural rights, making it a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the development of liberal thought from Locke to Nozick.