Theories of Justice - (California Social Choice and Political Economy) by Brian Barry (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

What is social justice? In Theories of Justice Brian Barry provides a systematic and detailed analysis of two kinds of answers. One is that justice arises from a sense of the advantage to everyone of having constraints on the pursuit of self-interest. The other answer connects the idea of justice with that of impartiality. Though the first book of a trilogy, Theories of Justice stands alone and constitutes a major contribution to the debate about social justice that began in 1971 with Rawls's A Theory of Justice.

From the Back Cover

What is social justice? In Theories Of Justice Brian Barry provides a systematic and detailed analysis of two kinds of answers. One is that justice arises from a sense of the advantage to everyone of having constraints on the pursuit of self-interest. The other answer connects the idea of justice with that of impartiality.

Review Quotes

"Brian Barry's magisterial "Theories of Justice, the first of three projected volumes, takes as his two main examples the theories of justice set out by Rawls and by David Hume. In 400 closely reasoned and often luminous pages he goes a long way towards explaining both the impact of Rawls's book and some of the most puzzling features of its reception."--John Dunn, "Times Literary Supplement

About the Author

Brian Barry is Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics and author of Political Argument, among other titles.