Document Type
Article
Disciplines
International Law
Abstract
In this paper I want to put forward a defence of egalitarianism in political philosophy against the currently extremely powerful attacks made upon it by neo-liberalism, attacks which seem to have been confirmed emphatically by the disintegration of existing communism. Argument over equality as a political good has been made to seem almost disreputable1 by the general acceptance of the neo-liberal opposition of individualism and equality2 and the identification of individualism with freedom.3 In a two-pronged assault, equality is represented as being antithetical to the freedom which follows from economic success in the provision of wealth4 and the freedom which is bound up in the unconstrained exercise of choice.5 The complete rejection of state action to implement egalitarian social policies in order to leave an extensive margin of individual licence is the obvious outcome of this concept of freedom.6 The extent to which neo-liberalism is prepared to push this margin is a peculiarly striking feature of this political philosophy.
Recommended Citation
Campbell, David, "Individualism, Equality, and the Possibility of Rights" (1991). Connecticut Journal of International Law. 150.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/cjil/150
Accessibility Requirements
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