Economic Justice

by Stephen Nathanson

KEY BENEFIT: This book introduces the philosophy of economic justice while presenting a non-dogmatic defense of the welfare state. KEY TOPICS: It presents and describes libertarian capitalism, state socialism, and the welfare state with the purpose of determining which best satisfies the requirements of economic justice. Each system is then evaluated from the perspective of three widely recognized values: promoting human well-being, giving people what they deserve, and promoting human liberty. Though the book defends a particular position, it is also written to encourage readers to think about the issues intelligently and form their own educated views on the subject. Written in a clear and readable style, Economic Justice explains the central ideas on the nature of capitalism, socialism, and the welfare state while providing concise discussions of the major theorists: Marx, Nozick, and Rawls. MARKET: An important and valuable book for any reader interested in understanding and evaluating the current debates and issues of economic justice as they relate to capitalism and the welfare state.

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 1997

Reviews

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathanson does a fabulous job taking neoliberalism to task. He exposes it not only as unjust, but irrational. I love it. Overall he plays very fair and is not polemic.

His case for a comprehensive welfare state, however, is not as air-tight as the anti-liberal case. He avoids some important protests to welfare states and dismisses others too easily.

There is also a lot in this book that will be old hat to those well read in economics and ethics. The last third of the book will still be interesting to them, though.

[Dorian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was concise and well presented. A good and solid argument for a comprehensive welfare state, with pretty thorough debunking of some more popular arguments against it.