A Just Society represents a complete account of Boylans 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.
Editorial Reviews
Review
This is not an ordinary book on what counts as a just person and just society. It is an extraordinary explanation of how a society can transform itself from an unjust society into a just one, and, more importantly, how a chaotic self can become an integrated self able and willing to create and sustain a community. Particularly impressive about Boylan”s book is his chapter on public policy, be it at the local, national, or global level. Rarely is an author able to move between theory and practice as adroitly as Boylan. His book is a must to read. — Rosemarie Tong, Distinguished Professor in Health Care Ethics and director of the Center for Professional and Applied Ethics, University of Nort
Michael Boylan”s A Just Society, like Plato”s Republic, canvasses the concept and problems of justice in the individual and society. The combination of big picture perspective, historical background, and contemporary ethical and social policy applications of Boylan”s normative worldview approach to the nature of justice make his new book a highly recommended contribution to central issues in moral and political philosophy for students and professionals alike. — Dale Jacquette, The Pennsylvania State University
Boylan develops an original, provocative, and interesting socio-political philosophy for a more just society. Boylan loads his philosophy with interesting examples, and his writing style results in very clear and enjoyable reading. Highly recommended. — M.P. Maller, College of DuPage
Boylan develops an original, provocative, and interesting social-political philosophy for a more just society. Rather than merely applying traditional moral theory to social problems, Boylan constructs hierarchal moral criteria for making decisions in public policy, government, and groups. Boylan loads his philosophy with interesting examples, and his writing style results in very clear and enjoyable reading. Summing Up: Highly recommended.
About the Author
Michael Boylan is professor of philosophy at Marymount University. He received his PhD at The University of Chicago. He has written extensively on ethical issues―both in theory and practice. His 2004 monograph, A Just Society was published by Rowman & Littlefield.
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