Navigating the intersection of philosophy, morality, economics and politics, this multidisciplinary volume explores the implications of Douglas B. Rasmussen and Douglas J. Den Uyl’s Norms of Liberty twenty years on from publication. Written by acclaimed scholars, this multidisciplinary volume of essays is a timely and necessary addition to existing scholarship on political theory and neo-Aristotelian ethics. The holistic and varied approach taken by each of the contributors results in a collection of essays that is impressive in both its scope and depth.From Politics to Morality examines the broader implications of Norms of Liberty for liberalism, conservatism, utilitarianism and natural law, amongst others. Alongside more established topics such as realistic versus idealistic conceptions of political philosophy, this book additionally explores novel topics including the compatibility between liberal theory and Catholic social thought. As well as furthering the readers’ understanding of the key arguments put forward by Rasmussen and Den Uyl, the essays contribute to debates within the contemporary political landscape. Using Norms of Liberty as a springboard, the essays comment on issues ranging from the extent of government power, to the protection of individual natural rights and the fostering of cohesive society. Part of the Capitalist Thought series, From Politics to Morality is the perfect companion for students studying philosophy, politics, and social ethics. With its relevance to the contemporary political landscape, the text would also be invaluable for scholars and practitioners interested in the field of political theory or neo-Aristotelian ethics.
Edward W. Younkins is Professor of Accountancy and Business at Wheeling University and Executive Director of its Institute for the Study of Capitalism and Mortality.
1. Toward a Robust Defense of Liberalism: The Continuing Relevance of Norms of Liberty2. Liberty, Virtue, and Contemporary Political Philosophy3. A Critical Comparison of Rasmussen and Den Uyl’s Metathetics with Thomas Nagel’s Impersonal Standpoint 4. Norms of Liberty Brings Order to Philosophical Confusion5. Middle-Class Flourishing6. Objectivism and Individualistic Perfectionism: Exemplars of neo-Aristotelian Eudaimonia7. How do Concepts of Spontaneous Order and Social Evolution Relate to Individual Flourishing?8. Beyond the Physical: The Case for Social and Psychological Realities in Understanding Natural rights9. Political Philosophy and Culture: Culture’s Role in Classical Liberalism10. Yes, there is a Problem with Liberalism11. Norms of Liberty: From Foundation Political Philosophy to Political Systems. Notes from an Applied Theory Perspective12. Is Norms of Liberty Compatible with Religion?13. Responding to Catholic Critiques of Liberalism: Insights from Norms of Liberty14. The Limits of Liberty