Liberalism

Key Concepts (Polity)

by Paul Kelly

Liberalism is an innovative introductory textbook exploring the dominant discourse of contemporary political theory and the core ideas that underpin it. Despite the ubiquity of liberalism there remains considerable disagreement about what contemporary political liberals believe. This book distinguishes modern political liberalism from earlier manifestations of the concept, yet shows how contemporary liberalism is derived from a long-standing historical tradition that includes John Locke, Immanuel Kant and J.S. Mill.

Contemporary liberalism combines ideas from this historical tradition to make a political theory that places at its heart the equal treatment of each person. Paul Kelly provides an overview of the basic building blocks of contemporary liberalism - contractarianism, impartiality, justice and freedom, - and introduces students to the ideas of its key theorists John Rawls, Brian Barry and Ronald Dworkin. He goes on to consider three major challenges facing liberalism today and concludes with a defence of the continuing relevance of political liberalism in the contemporary world.

Genres: Philosophy

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Professor of Political Theory at the London School of Economics.

Reviews

[Sara DeSantis (Hot Reads Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a class. I really did not like the style of the author. His take on liberalism is unique and semi helpful. Class discussions helped me to understand what the book actually said thought.

[Alexandra Alexandrova · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book is interesting, but the reading is really hard, not every person can understand all terms .

[Robot · Rating 2 out of 5]

he's my teacher. i'm reading it. thus far color me unimpressed.