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Liberal Socialism

An Alternative Social Ideal Grounded in Rawls and Marx

Ian Hunt author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Lexington Books

Published:22nd Oct '15

Should be back in stock very soon

Liberal Socialism cover

This thought-provoking book questions the foundations of neo-liberal capitalism, advocating for a new vision of justice and social cooperation through a Rawlsian lens in Liberal Socialism.

In Liberal Socialism, the author explores the pressing need for alternatives to the prevailing neo-liberal capitalist framework that dominates the Western world. The book delves into profound questions about the nature of freedom and justice, drawing on the theories of philosophers like John Rawls and Karl Marx. It argues that a just society, as envisioned by Rawls, cannot merely accept the status quo but must strive for a more equitable social order that benefits all individuals.

Challenging the notion that Rawls endorses minimal government, the author contends that the principles of justice underlying the support for neo-liberal capitalism are fundamentally flawed. By addressing the shortcomings of these prevailing ideas, Liberal Socialism advocates for a Rawlsian approach to justice that recognizes the inherent injustices of capitalism, particularly in how it exploits workers and violates the difference principle. This critical examination leads to a compelling argument for a reimagined society that prioritizes justice and social cooperation.

The book concludes with an exploration of what a truly free life would entail in this new social order, emphasizing the importance of independent pursuits free from the constraints imposed by nature. Ultimately, Liberal Socialism poses a thought-provoking question: Can society embark on a transformative journey toward a more just and equitable world? Through its rigorous analysis, the book invites readers to envision a future where justice and freedom coexist harmoniously.

Ian Hunt’s Liberal Socialism is both a powerful contribution to the critique of hegemonic modes of justification for neoliberal capitalism, and an important attempt to synthesise elements from Marx and Rawls into an alternative to this unjust social ideal. While I don’t share all of Hunt’s political conclusions, his book deserves to be taken seriously by all those concerned with challenging the injustices characteristic of the modern world. -- Paul Blackledge, Leeds Beckett University

ISBN: 9781498506533

Dimensions: 239mm x 158mm x 19mm

Weight: 431g

192 pages