Beyond Neutrality: Perfectionism and Politics

by George Sher

Overview

Many people, including many contemporary philosophers, believe that the state has no business trying to improve people's characters, or elevate their tastes, or prevent them from living degraded lives. They believe that governments should remain absolutely neutral when it comes to the consideration of competing conceptions of the good. One fundamental aim of George Sher's book is to show that this view is indefensible. A second complementary aim is to articulate a conception of the good that is worthy of promotion by the state.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521570688
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/13/1997
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. The principle of neutrality; 3. Autonomy and neutrality (1); 4. Autonomy and neutrality (2); 5. Prophylactic neutrality; 6. Knowing about the good; 7. Three grades of social involvement; 8. Against subjectivism; 9. Perfectionism: a theory; 10. Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"...Sher is consitently deliberate, judicious, and fair to the positions he discusses, avoiding overstatement of his case or the use of contrived arguments." D.J. Maletz, Choice

"...Sher's book offers a useful contribution to debate..." David Kahane, Philosophy in Review

"...Beyond Neutrality will surely direct future debate over the priority of the right. It is also a good book for an advanced course on the legal enforcement of morality." Chris Naticchia, The Philosophical Review

From the Publisher