Liberalism

Liberalism as a theory is passionately and widely defined and decried in contemporary Anglo-American philosophy. This collection of original essays by leading specialists in political philosophy, legal theory, and economics debate the notion of liberalism by exploring the theoretical commitments of liberals and some of the practical implications of their view. Among the topics explored is thedistinction between liberalism and conservatism, and the degree to which liberals must be committed to neutrality, individualism, equality, freedom, and a contractarian theory of justification. The practical implications of liberalism are further examined by considerations of the proper role of the liberal state in undertaking egalitarian redistribution, the provision of public goods, and retributive punishment.