Justice by Means of Democracy

In a time of social and political turmoil, Danielle Allen's book "Power-Sharing Liberalism" offers a new political philosophy that advocates for the protection of political equality, democracy, and social ideals to create a just society. It proposes a reconstruction of liberalism based on the principle of full inclusion and non-domination, promoting civic engagement and empowerment and the universal benefits of an effective government in which all participate on equal terms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In a time of immense societal and political upheaval, when many citizens in established democracies express doubts about the ability of their governments to address pressing public concerns effectively and fairly, and when power appears to be increasingly concentrated in the hands of a privileged few, this book takes a fresh look at the fundamental principles of democracy and justice. Danielle Allen, a scholar and writer, makes a compelling case that safeguarding political equality is the key to creating a just society where all individuals receive the support they need to thrive. She argues that democracy is the best means of achieving justice, and that the social ideals and organizational design principles that arise from recognizing political equality and democracy as essential to human well-being offer an alternative framework for both justice and political economy.

Allen identifies this transformative new framework as "power-sharing liberalism." Liberalism, in its broader sense, is a philosophical commitment to a government based on rights that safeguard individuals' private lives while also empowering them to participate in governing public affairs. Power-sharing liberalism presents a novel reimagining of liberalism, grounded in the principle of full inclusion and non-domination, where no group holds a monopoly on power in politics, economy, or society. By demonstrating how we can all fully share power and responsibility across these three sectors, Allen promotes a culture of civic engagement and empowerment, unveiling the universal benefits of an effective government where all participate on equal terms.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226777092