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Hackett Readings in Philosophy
Equality
Johnston (contemporary civilization, Columbia U.) presents 17 treatments that navigate the waters of political theory surrounding the tensions both within and among concepts of moral, social, legal, and political equality. The previously published material ranges in time from Plato and Aristotle, through Alexis de Tocqueville and Karl Marx, to Robert Nozick and John Rawls. May have been improved by a subject index.
- GenresPhilosophyPolitics
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
84 people want to read
About the author
David Johnston
7 books1 followerDavid Johnston teaches political philosophy at Columbia University, where he has served as Nell and Herbert M. Singer Professor of Contemporary Civilization and Joseph Straus Professor of Political Philosophy. He is the author of A Brief History of Justice, The Idea of a Liberal Theory, and The Rhetoric of Leviathan: Thomas Hobbes and the Politics of Cultural Transformation, and is the editor of a collection of readings entitled Equality and coeditor of Machiavelli on Liberty and Conflict.
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August 23, 2023
"Equality" by David Johnston is an insightful and thought-provoking book that delves into equality and its implications in contemporary society. Johnston's work offers a comprehensive analysis of the various dimensions of equality, from its historical roots to its application in modern times.
One of the notable strengths of this book is its well-researched and structured approach to discussing equality. Johnston starts by exploring the historical context of equality, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to the present day. By examining critical philosophical and socio-political theories, he provides readers with a solid foundation for understanding the evolution of equality as a concept and its importance in today's world.
Throughout the book, Johnston raises several critical questions about equality, challenging readers to reflect on their beliefs and values. He addresses fundamental issues such as the definition of equality, its relationship with justice, and the different forms of inequality that persist in society. The author's ability to engage readers in a nuanced discussion makes this book intellectually stimulating and encourages readers to deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
In addition to his comprehensive analysis, Johnston integrates real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the complexities and implications of equality in practice. He effectively demonstrates how equality remains a pressing concern by juxtaposing historical and societal inequality with contemporary issues. This approach helps readers connect theoretical concepts with real-world situations, making the book more relatable and impactful.
Moreover, Johnston's writing style is engaging and accessible, allowing readers from various backgrounds to grasp complex ideas without feeling overwhelmed. He employs clear and concise language, making the book suitable for academics and general readers interested in understanding the complexities of equality. The author balances academic rigor and readability, ensuring readers can engage with the content without sacrificing depth and scholarship.
However, one minor area for improvement in the book is the limited exploration of the intersectionality of equality. While Johnston touches on various forms of inequality, such as gender, race, and class, he could have dedicated more attention to these inequalities' overlapping and interconnected aspects. A more comprehensive discussion on how different marginalized identities intersect and affect one's experience of equality would enhance the overall analysis.
Overall, "Equality" by David Johnston is an excellent exploration of the concept from historical and contemporary perspectives. The book's well-researched content, thought-provoking questions, and engaging examples make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of equality. Although some additional exploration of intersectionality could have been beneficial, this book remains a comprehensive guide that sheds light on the complexities and challenges surrounding equality today.
One of the notable strengths of this book is its well-researched and structured approach to discussing equality. Johnston starts by exploring the historical context of equality, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to the present day. By examining critical philosophical and socio-political theories, he provides readers with a solid foundation for understanding the evolution of equality as a concept and its importance in today's world.
Throughout the book, Johnston raises several critical questions about equality, challenging readers to reflect on their beliefs and values. He addresses fundamental issues such as the definition of equality, its relationship with justice, and the different forms of inequality that persist in society. The author's ability to engage readers in a nuanced discussion makes this book intellectually stimulating and encourages readers to deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
In addition to his comprehensive analysis, Johnston integrates real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the complexities and implications of equality in practice. He effectively demonstrates how equality remains a pressing concern by juxtaposing historical and societal inequality with contemporary issues. This approach helps readers connect theoretical concepts with real-world situations, making the book more relatable and impactful.
Moreover, Johnston's writing style is engaging and accessible, allowing readers from various backgrounds to grasp complex ideas without feeling overwhelmed. He employs clear and concise language, making the book suitable for academics and general readers interested in understanding the complexities of equality. The author balances academic rigor and readability, ensuring readers can engage with the content without sacrificing depth and scholarship.
However, one minor area for improvement in the book is the limited exploration of the intersectionality of equality. While Johnston touches on various forms of inequality, such as gender, race, and class, he could have dedicated more attention to these inequalities' overlapping and interconnected aspects. A more comprehensive discussion on how different marginalized identities intersect and affect one's experience of equality would enhance the overall analysis.
Overall, "Equality" by David Johnston is an excellent exploration of the concept from historical and contemporary perspectives. The book's well-researched content, thought-provoking questions, and engaging examples make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of equality. Although some additional exploration of intersectionality could have been beneficial, this book remains a comprehensive guide that sheds light on the complexities and challenges surrounding equality today.
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