Beyond Justice as Fairness: Rethinking Rawls from a Cross-Cultural Perspective

Paul Nnodim's book explores Rawls' theories of justice from a cross-cultural perspective, deconstructing ideas of democratic citizenship, public reason, and liberal individualism to uncover their cultural and historical underpinnings. It investigates whether these ideas are compatible with the concept of the person in a non-Western context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Beyond Justice as Fairness: Rethinking Rawls from a Cross-Cultural Perspective, by Paul Nnodim, delves into the three fundamental pillars of Rawls' theories of justice: social justice, multiculturalism, and global justice. By critically examining the underlying concepts of democratic citizenship, public reason, and liberal individualism in Rawls' treatment of these subjects, the book seeks to uncover their cultural and historical roots. Furthermore, it investigates whether these ideas align with the notion of the person in non-Western contexts.

Social justice, as envisioned by Rawls, aims to ensure that all individuals have equal access to basic human rights and opportunities, regardless of their social status, race, or gender. However, Nnodim argues that this concept may not be universally applicable in non-Western cultures, where traditional values and customs often prioritize the well-being of the family and community over individual rights. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, recognizes the diversity of cultures and seeks to promote respect and understanding between different groups. However, Nnodim questions whether this approach can be reconciled with the idea of universal human rights and whether it may lead to the marginalization of certain cultures. Global justice, which focuses on promoting equality and fairness on a global scale, is another key theme in Rawls' theories. However, Nnodim raises concerns about the potential dominance of powerful nations and the exploitation of weaker ones in the pursuit of global justice. He suggests that a more equitable distribution of resources and power is necessary to ensure that all individuals have access to basic human needs and opportunities.

In conclusion, Beyond Justice as Fairness: Rethinking Rawls from a Cross-Cultural Perspective offers a valuable exploration of the three foundational topics in Rawls' theories of justice. By deconstructing the ideas of democratic citizenship, public reason, and liberal individualism, the book reveals their cultural and historical underpinnings. It also raises important questions about the compatibility of these ideas with the concept of the person in non-Western contexts. Nnodim's book provides a thought-provoking analysis that challenges readers to reevaluate their understanding of justice and equality in a globalized world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498558082