Ideal and non-ideal theory /
"This Element provides an opinionated survey of the ideal and non-ideal theory debate in political philosophy. It adopts a minimal conception of ideal theory as “theorizing that aims to characterize ideal or perfect justice” and then investigates four major questions. First, does ideal theory p...
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| Format: | eBook |
| Language: | English |
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Cambridge :
Cambridge University Press,
2026
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| Series: | Cambridge elements. Elements in political philosophy.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Connect to the full text of this electronic book |
| Summary: | "This Element provides an opinionated survey of the ideal and non-ideal theory debate in political philosophy. It adopts a minimal conception of ideal theory as “theorizing that aims to characterize ideal or perfect justice” and then investigates four major questions. First, does ideal theory provide a benchmark for evaluating what is more just than what? Second, does it provide a target for long-term reform? Third, does it provide a gauge of appropriate or permissible responses to injustice? Fourth, to what extent should we do ideal theory? The core message is that ideal theory is not uniquely or especially well suited to serving these roles, and deserves no pride of place in the discipline. Nevertheless, ideal theory is somewhat valuable and it should remain one active research program among many. Connections to related debates beyond political philosophy are briefly explored" -- |
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| Physical Description: | 1 online resource |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references |
| ISBN: | 9781009612302 1009612301 9781009612296 1009612298 |
| DOI: | 10.1017/9781009612302 |