Theories Of Justice And Rights 1st Edition J L Mackie by J. L. Mackie 9780198917403, 0198917406 instant download after payment.

In a series of writings, Mackie built a case for a unique right-based approach to political philosophy, in part by delivering incisive critiques of theories dominant at the time. His most comprehensive work in this area is Theories of Justice and Rights--a previously unpublished manuscript that finally sees the light of day in this volume. Also included are two of Mackie's previously published papers, written during the same period: 'Can There Be a Right-Based Moral Theory?' (1978) and 'Rights, Utility, and External Costs' (1985). Some of Mackie's arguments in these works draw on the metaethical conclusions in his seminal book Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong (1977). The editorial introduction canvasses the initially puzzling relation between Mackie's moral error theory and his account of justice and rights, addresses some exegetical queries, and connects to present-day debates. In addition, the introduction provides summaries of Mackie's theory of rights, his critique of Rawls's liberalism, and of Nozick's libertarianism.