Justice: A Beginner's Guide

Beginner's Guide (Oneworld Publications)

by Raymond Wacks

In this highly topical introduction, Professor Raymond Wacks explains and evaluates the leading theories of justice that have shaped our societies and their legislative and judicial systems, and explores the extent to which fundamental notions like fairness, equality and freedom are reflected in contemporary society. By analysing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including terrorism, corruption and migration, A Beginner’s Guide shows how these ideas are applied in practice – and how far we still have to go to achieve social justice.

Genres: Law

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2017

About the author

Raymond Wacks is Emeritus Professor of Law and Legal Theory at the University of Hong Kong, where he was Head of the Department of Law from 1986 to 1993. He was previously Professor of Public Law and Head of the Department of Public Law at the University of Natal in Durban. He has lived in Italy since taking early retirement in 2002.

Reviews

[Martin Omedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of justice is one of the most debated concepts in the history of political theory and philosophy. To that end, there are a plethora of indigestible treatises on this subject. Raymond Wacks’ Beginner’s Guide is one the best introductory books on this subject I have read in a while.

You can treat this read as a vade mecum of political philosophy and theory. It generally seeks to provide a clearly written and argued study of the principal debates and writers in the field. This book aims to bring the insights of the world′s leading political philosophers to a wide general audience and employs plenty of examples in an attempt to equip readers to think for themselves about the ideas that shape political life.


Although the emphasis is on the theory of justice, Wacks’ thoughtful illustrations of justice in practice ensure that the reader is made aware of the pivotal role played by the concept of justice in the ordering of society.

This is a fluent and well-written introductory text for students of political philosophy with a wide-ranging and highly readable examination of critical ideas in the evolution of thought on social justice. It serves as a perfect jumping-off point for studying the issues more deeply.

[Aparna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, even-handed and well written account of different conceptions of justice. It’s short enough to serve as a good introduction to justice, but it offers a good amount of detail. It’s also touches on political issues that are very relevant today. I think, especially in a time where words like “human rights”, “equality” and “justice” are thrown around in the media and in everyday speech, it is well worth exploring the possible meanings of the terminology. It allows for a rational, meaningful debate.

[Bek Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting outlook on the principles of Justice and how society is formed on notions of principles to achieve an outcome that is fair for human kind. It explores perspectives that I was unaware of and provokes the reader to examine their own views on what is right and wrong. It develops an idea that black-white thinking on social justice should be implemented cautiously; as there are many factors to be accessed in inviting a judgement of moral obligations.