University Press of America Ethics and Political Theory

In Ethics and Political Theory, Joseph Grcic explores the ways in which the ideas of John Rawls can be implemented to realize the ideals of liberal democracy. Many of the essays evaluate Rawls' discussion of the relationship between liberal democratic equality and economic liberty. Grcic argues that Rawls has not fully considered how differences in income and wealth restrict political equality in Western capitalist democracies. However, Grcic contends that a practical extension of Rawls' theory does suggest ways to reform democratic societies. These include the public financing of all election campaigns and free legal representation. In an attempt to clarify the nature and foundations of political power, Grcic also advocates a new approach to ethics, which focuses on the social functions of moral values rather than individual agency. This book is unique in its attempt to deal with both theoretical and applied questions, making it an important resource for philosophers and those interested in actual political reform. Review This handsome book assembles essays written and partially published by Grcic during the last decade. Meticulously crafted and sensibly organized, they cover theoretical, methodological, and practical aspects of grand ethical theory from Plato to Rawls.--Ethics: An International Journal of Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy About the Author Joseph Grcic is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Indiana State University.