Jonathan Wolff

"In this book Jonathan Wolff argues that we can detach Marx the critic of current society from Marx the prophet of future society, and that he remains the most impressive critic we have of liberal, capitalist, bourgeois society. He also shows that the value of the 'great thinkers' does not depend on the truth of their grand theories, but also on other features such as their originality, insight, and systematic vision. On this account, too, Marx still richly deserves to be read."--BOOK JACKET.

Collection of unpublished lectures and a few articles and a review article of one of the author's books. Concludes with a memoir of the author written by the editor.

"This book presents a new analysis of disadvantage, and puts forward proposals to help governments improve the lives of the least advantaged in their societies, thereby moving in the direction of equality. The analysis of the book will interest political philosophers, social policy theorists, and practitioners involved in the design and delivery of actual social policy."--BOOK JACKET.

Although best known for the hugely influential Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974), Robert Nozick has eschewed the label ”political philosopher,” as the vast majority of his writings have focused on other areas. Indeed, the breadth of Nozick’s work is perhaps greater than that of any other contemporary philosopher. A. R. Lacey presents the first book to give full and proper discussion of Nozick’s philosophy as a whole and of critical reactions to it, spanning areas as diverse as ethics, epistemology, and philosophy of religion. The book begins by examining Anarchy, State, and Utopia and moves on to Nozick’s noted work on the theory of knowledge and his notion of ”tracking the truth.” Lacey explores the philosopher’s metaphysical writings, including his ”closest continuer theory” of personal identity, and his reflections on free will and the existence of God. He addresses the moral basis of Nozick’s political philosophy in depth. Later chapters discuss his ideas of ”symbolic utility,” his evolutionary account of rationality, and his varying treatments of Newcomb’s Paradox. The book concludes with more general topics, including Nozick’s thoughts on the meaning of life and what those who search for it are really looking for. Given Nozick’s reluctance to respond to his critics, the book’s discussion of the secondary literature on his work is invaluable. Throughout, Lacey finds themes that unite Nozick’s diverse writings, noting, for example, his hostility to coercion of all kinds. Illuminating, informative, and clearly written, the book will be welcomed as an authoritative guide to Nozick’s philosophical thinking. (Source: [Princeton University Press](