David Schmidtz disputes the idea that rigorous reflection on how to live needs to begin with timeless axioms, rather than with more ephemeral circumstances of time and place. Rather, he argues that theorizing about how to live together should take its cue from contemporary moral philosophy's attempts to go beyond formal theory, and should ask which principles have a history of demonstrably being organizing principles of actual thriving communities at their best.
Exploring the concept of justice, this work delves into the various principles that define what individuals are owed, such as desert, reciprocity, equality, and need. It presents justice as a complex, interconnected system, akin to a neighborhood rather than a rigid structure. The author argues that a theory of justice serves as a map, guiding readers through the nuanced landscape of moral and ethical considerations surrounding justice in different contexts.
Through a fusion of philosophical, social scientific, and historical methods, A Brief History of Liberty provides a comprehensive, philosophically-informed portrait of the elusive nature of one of our most cherished ideals.
The book explores the ethical implications of social welfare, contrasting individual responsibility with collective accountability. Authors Schmidtz and Goodin engage in a critical discussion, addressing the complexities of welfare systems and the moral obligations of individuals versus society. Their analysis contributes to the ongoing international debate about the most just and effective approaches to social welfare.