This final book by the late John Rawls, derived from written lectures and notes from his long-standing course on modern political philosophy, offers readers a review of the liberal political tradition from a scholar considered by many to be the greatest contemporary exponent of the philosophy that underpins this tradition. Rawls's aim in the lectures was, as he wrote, “to identify the most central features of liberalism as an expression of a political conception of justice when liberalism is viewed from the tradition of democratic constitutionalism.”

This aim is achieved through the analysis of various currents that make up the liberal and democratic constitutional traditions, as well as the historical figures who best represent these currents--including the social contractarians Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau; the utilitarians Hume, Sidgwick, and J. S. Mill; and Marx, who is viewed as a critic of liberalism. Rawls's lectures on Bishop Joseph Butler are also included in an appendix.

With continuous revisions and improvements over three decades, Rawls's lectures on these figures reflect his evolving and changing views regarding the history of liberalism and democracy--as well as how he saw his own work in relation to these traditions.

Through clear and careful analyses of the teachings of the social contract, utilitarianism, and socialism--as well as their most influential proponents--this volume holds a critical place in the traditions it encompasses. Characterized by Rawls's patience and curiosity, and meticulously edited by his student and assistant, Samuel Freeman, these lectures serve as a fitting final addition to his work, as well as to the history of political philosophy.

• Pages: 496
• Publication Year: 0915
• Dimensions: 15.6x15.6cm