Details

Subject(s)

• Political science—Philosophy [Browse]
• Ideals (Philosophy)—Political aspects [Browse]

Series

• Cambridge elements [More in this series]
• Cambridge elements. Elements in political psychology [More in this series]
• Cambridge elements. Elements in political psychology, 2976-5706 [More in this series]

Summary note

This text provides an opinionated survey of the ideal and nonideal theory debate in political philosophy. It adopts a minimal conception of ideal theory as 'theorizing that aims to characterize ideal or perfect justice' and investigates four major questions about ideal theory. First, does ideal theory provide a benchmark for evaluating what is more just than what? Second, does it provide a target for long-term reform? Third, does it provide a gauge of appropriate or permissible responses to injustice? Fourth, to what extent should we do ideal theory? The core message is that ideal theory is not uniquely or especially well suited to serving as a benchmark, target, or gauge, and it deserves no pride of place in the discipline. Nevertheless, ideal theory is somewhat valuable and we should hope it remains one active research program among many.

Bibliographic references

Includes bibliographical references.

Target audience

Specialized.

Source of description

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (viewed on March 16, 2026).

ISBN

9781009612302 (ebook)

Doi

10.1017/9781009612302

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