On Justice: Philosophy, History, Foundations

Though much attention has been paid to different principles of justice, far less has been done reflecting on what the larger concern behind the notion is. In this work, Mathias Risse proposes that the perennial quest for justice is about ensuring that each individual has an appropriate place in what our uniquely human capacities permit us to build, produce, and maintain, and is appropriately respected for the capacity to hold such a place to begin with. Risse begins by investigating the role of political philosophers and exploring how to think about the global context where philosophical inquiry occurs. Next, he offers a quasi-historical narrative about how the notion of distributive justice identifies a genuinely human concern that arises independently of cultural context and has developed into the one we should adopt now. Finally, he investigates the core terms of this view, including stringency, moral value, ground and duties of justice.

Choice Outstanding Academic Title, 2021, Choice Reviews

‘What an achievement! By its panoramic sweep of time and space, historical epochs and alternative continental traditions, Risse's extraordinary book brings home the provinciality of the most previous philosophical accounts of justice. This is a work that dramatically raises the bar for all future attempts to explore this central moral and juridical ideal of our increasingly global civilization.'

Charles W. Mills - Distinguished Professor, The Graduate Center, CUNY

‘A grand synthesis of philosophy, social science, and history – and a deep meditation on justice and method, this book will richly reward everyone contemplating how humans should live together.'

Leif Wenar - author of Blood Oil: Tyrants, Violence, and the Rules that Run the World

‘Risse tells a tale – ‘the great tale of humanity' – that is incisive, insightful, erudite, and philosophically fascinating. The book is a delight to read and a major contribution. Whether or not they ultimately accept it, political philosophers will have to grapple with Risse's ‘grounds-of-justice' view.'

Daniel Brudney - Department of Philosophy, The University of Chicago

‘A magisterial model of reasoning about justice across cultures and borders. Risse elegantly engages with empirical as much as philosophical work. The result is a theory that combines universalist ambitions with a pluralist methodology. This is a work of reflective equilibrium at its widest aperture.'

Eric Beerbohm - Professor of Government, Harvard University

‘Those musing on whether a single idea of justice could transcend the limits of tradition and social context will find this book an invaluable resource.’

J. E. Herbel Source: Choice

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On Justice

Philosophy, History, Foundations

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