O R. Dworkin στο έργο του συνυφαίνει τις έννοιες της ελευθερίας και της ισότητας, τις οποίες αντιλαμβάνεται ως συμπληρωματικές πλευρές του ίδιου ιδεώδους, αποστασιοποιούμενος από τον παραδοσιακό φιλελευθερισμό που τις έβλεπε σε ανταγωνιστική βάση. Στο δικό του θεωρητικό σχήμα πρωταρχικό ρόλο κατέχει το ιδεώδες της ισότητας, το οποίο παρέχει το συγκεκριμένο κανονιστικό πρίσμα προσέγγισης της ελευθερίας. O Ronald Dworkin υποστηρίζει δύο θεμελιώδεις ανθρωπιστικές αρχές. Η πρώτη είναι ότι η ευδοκίμηση της ανθρώπινης ζωής έχει το ίδιο βάρος για όλους ενώ η δεύτερη ορίζει ότι ο καθένας αναλαμβάνει να αποφασίσει τι σημαίνει κάτι τέτοιο για τον εαυτό του. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο ο Dworkin διαμορφώνει την ευρέως γνωστή θέση του ότι η γνήσια ισότητα ταυτίζεται με τους πόρους τους οποίους κάθε πρόσωπο έχει στη διάθεσή του και όχι με το μέγεθος της επιτυχίας που κατορθώνει. Ισότητα, ελευθερία και ατομική ευθύνη δεν βρίσκονται σε σύγκρουση, αλλά, αντιθέτως, απορρέουν η μία από την άλλη, απαρτίζοντας τις διαφορετικές όψεις μιας ενιαίας αντίληψης για τη ζωή και την πολιτική.
Ronald Dworkin, QC, FBA was an American philosopher of law. He was a Jeremy Bentham Professor of Law and Philosophy at University College London, Frank Henry Sommer Professor of Law at New York University, and has taught previously at Yale Law School and the University of Oxford. An influential contributor to both philosophy of law and political philosophy, Dworkin received the 2007 Holberg International Memorial Prize in the Humanities for "his pioneering scholarly work" of "worldwide impact." His theory of law as integrity is amongst the most influential contemporary theories about the nature of law.
"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.