Short description
Distinguished political philosopher Michael Walzer offers a critique of liberal theory to demonstrate that crucial realities have been submerged in the evolution of contemporary liberal thought. He suggests ways in which liberal theory might be revised to make it more hospitable to the claims of equality.
Long description
Distinguished political philosopher Michael Walzer offers a provocative reappraisal of the core tenets of liberalism. Ranging over contested issues including multiculturalism, pluralism, difference, civil society, and racial and gender justice, he suggest ways in which liberal theory might be revised to make it more hospitable to the claims of equality.
Review
An elegant and probing critique of contemporary liberal thought. G. John Ikenberry, Foreign Affairs With his usual originality, clarity, depth, and intelligent judgments, Michael Walzer offers a perspective on political life that reveals serious inadequacies in standard liberal views and points to directions of change. Robert Dahl, Sterling Professor Emeritus, Yale University In this elegant and incisive book, Michael Walzer draws on everyday political experience to open up some of the theoretical dead-ends in which contemporary democratic theory has become stalled. The book's positive, constructive emphasis will make it useful to anyone interested in issues of social equality. Bernard Yack, Brandeis University