An uplifting vision of a new,egalitarian liberalism,and a bold practical programme for how we can reinvigorate democracy and transform capitalism.
Despite the enormous problems we face and widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo,it's surprisingly hard to find a coherent vision of what a better,fairer society would look like.
Free and Equal provides that vision. In this hugely ambitious and exhilarating debut,philosopher and economist Daniel Chandler argues that the ideas we need are hiding in plain sight,in the work of the twentieth century's greatest political philosopher,John Rawls. Although they have revolutionised philosophy,his ideas have had little impact on politics - until now.
Taking Rawls's humane and egalitarian liberalism as his starting point,Chandler builds a careful and ultimately irresistible case for a progressive agenda that would fundamentally reshape our political and economic institutions.
This is a book brimming with hope and possibility - a much-needed alternative to the cynicism that pervades our politics,setting out a'realistic utopia'that can galvanise people from all walks of life. Free and Equal has the potential not only to transform contemporary debate,but to offer a touchstone for a modern,egalitarian liberalism for many years to come,cementing Rawls's place in political discourse,and firmly establishing Chandler as a vital new voice for our time.
Publisher: Penguin Books LtdISBN: 9780241428382Number of pages: 416Weight: 640 gDimensions: 236 x 154 x 42 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'A robust and inspiring case for the philosophy of John Rawls,dragging his theory of justice down from Harvard's ivory towers and into the street with the people. In clear and impassioned style (Chandler) returns Rawls to the center of the conversation,where he belongs,re-establishing his work as a potential agent of radical - and practicable - change... intellectually rigorous and full of hope.'- Zadie Smith
'A beautifully written and compelling argument that Rawlsian political philosophy can heal our broken societies and make us,indeed,free and equal.'- Professor Sir Angus Deaton,winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics and author of Deaths of Despair
'This is a fantastic book. More than ever,we need philosophers to participate in the public debate about inequality and sustainability. In Free and Equal Daniel Chandler provides us with the moral basis for an ambitious egalitarian agenda,and a roadmap for putting this into practice. It is a must-read!'- Thomas Piketty
'A tremendous book,timely,wise,authoritative and clear. The world will fall on it like tired labourers falling on a tray of donuts.'- Stephen Fry
'A brilliantly eloquent,incredibly insightful reimagining of liberalism,and by such a compelling writer.'- Owen Jones
'An exceptionally sane,judicious essay on what a viable democracy entails... (Chandler) develops a realistic,humane - and in its way,revolutionary - vision of a society committed to equity,inclusion and accountability. It should become an indispensable tool in political debate in the years ahead.'- Rowan Williams
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