A Just Society represents a complete account of Boylan's original worldview theory of ethics and social philosophy. The author sets out the foundation and application of the personal worldview imperative (for ethics) and the shared community worldview imperative (for social philosophy). These form the structure for a rights-based deontological theory that is holistic and underscored by an understanding of the good will that incorporates novel depictions of the sincere and authentic agent who displays sympathy, care, openness, and love. In the end, A Just Society strikes a balance between extreme liberalism (libertarianism) and those advocating the rule of the general will (utilitarianism). As such, the book makes an important contribution to ethical and political theory, as well as grounding an original approach to public philosophy.
Michael Boylan is John J. McDonnell, Jr., Chair in Ethics, and professor and chair of the philosophy department at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.
Table of Contents
Part 1 Preface: Normative Worldview Part 2 I A Just Person Chapter 3 Justification in Ethics Chapter 4 The Personal Worldview Imperative Chapter 5 The Embedded Values Approach Chapter 6 Religion and Aesthetics Part 7 II A Just Society Chapter 8 Diversity and the Common Body of Knowledge Chapter 9 The Shared Community Worldview Imperative Chapter 10 Justice Chapter 11 Public Policy