Economic Freedom and Social Justice: The Classical Ideal of Equality in Contexts of Racial Diversity

This book examines the egalitarian foundations of equality law from a classical liberal perspective, questioning the ethical status of egalitarian social and moral ideals in contexts of racial diversity. It argues that egalitarian ideals are costly, harmful, and ultimately inimical to justice and liberty, and that legal entitlements and policy guidelines constructed upon notions of racial equity are wrongly constituted as the main prism through which liberal market democracies govern private relationships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 267 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the egalitarian foundations of equality law, offering a classical liberal perspective. It raises two central questions: does justice ideally demand equality, and are differences in abilities among people unfair in some sense? The book explores these inquiries within the context of racial diversity, a topic often considered emotionally and morally compelling but rarely critically examined in terms of its implications for economic freedom.

In defending the classical ideal of formal equality in contexts of racial diversity, Economic Freedom and Social Justice questions the ethical status of egalitarian social and moral ideals. The book argues that egalitarian ideals, like all subjective value judgments, must be subjected to critical intellectual inquiry rather than treated as axiomatic. Drawing upon the legal framework in the UK and other common law jurisdictions, the book demonstrates how egalitarian ideals, in addition to resting on false premises, can be costly, harmful, and ultimately inimical to justice and liberty.

The book argues that legal entitlements and policy guidelines constructed upon notions of racial equity are wrongly constituted as the primary prism through which liberal market democracies govern private relationships, including the employment relationship. Written in a clear and forthright style, this book appeals to students and scholars in law, economics, philosophy, and political economy. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between equality, justice, and economic freedom, challenging readers to consider the broader implications of these principles in our society.

Weight: 525g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030848514
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021