A General Theory of Domination and Justice

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book A General Theory of Domination and Justice by Frank Lovett, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Frank Lovett ISBN: 9780191614729
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: May 13, 2010
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Frank Lovett
ISBN: 9780191614729
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: May 13, 2010
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

In all societies, past and present, many persons and groups have been subject to domination. Properly understood, domination is a great evil, the suffering of which ought to be minimized so far as possible. Surprisingly, however, political and social theorists have failed to provide a detailed analysis of the concept of domination in general. This study aims to redress this lacuna. It argues first, that domination should be understood as a condition experienced by persons or groups to the extent that they are dependent on a social relationship in which some other person or group wields arbitrary power over them; this is termed the 'arbitrary power conception' of domination. It argues second, that we should regard it as wrong to perpetrate or permit unnecessary domination and, thus, that as a matter of justice the political and social institutions and practices of any society should be organized so as to minimize avoidable domination; this is termed 'justice as minimizing domination', a conception of social justice that connects with more familiar civic republican accounts of freedom as non-domination. In developing these arguments, this study employs a variety of methodological techniques - including conceptual analysis, formal modelling, social theory, and moral philosophy; existing accounts of dependency, power, social convention, and so on are clarified, expanded, or revised along the way. While of special interest to contemporary civic republicans, this study should appeal to a broad audience with diverse methodological and substantive interests.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In all societies, past and present, many persons and groups have been subject to domination. Properly understood, domination is a great evil, the suffering of which ought to be minimized so far as possible. Surprisingly, however, political and social theorists have failed to provide a detailed analysis of the concept of domination in general. This study aims to redress this lacuna. It argues first, that domination should be understood as a condition experienced by persons or groups to the extent that they are dependent on a social relationship in which some other person or group wields arbitrary power over them; this is termed the 'arbitrary power conception' of domination. It argues second, that we should regard it as wrong to perpetrate or permit unnecessary domination and, thus, that as a matter of justice the political and social institutions and practices of any society should be organized so as to minimize avoidable domination; this is termed 'justice as minimizing domination', a conception of social justice that connects with more familiar civic republican accounts of freedom as non-domination. In developing these arguments, this study employs a variety of methodological techniques - including conceptual analysis, formal modelling, social theory, and moral philosophy; existing accounts of dependency, power, social convention, and so on are clarified, expanded, or revised along the way. While of special interest to contemporary civic republicans, this study should appeal to a broad audience with diverse methodological and substantive interests.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Singing in the Lower Secondary School by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book The Death Penalty by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Capitalism: A Very Short Introduction by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Goethe: A Very Short Introduction by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Pamela Hansford Johnson by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Catch Up by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book The Humans Who Went Extinct:Why Neanderthals died out and we survived by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Contributory Negligence by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Minerals: A Very Short Introduction by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Transformative Experience by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Turbulence and Order in Economic Development by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book The Killer Trail by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book The World Trade Organization by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book The Governance of Infrastructure by Frank Lovett
Cover of the book Yeats and Violence by Frank Lovett
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy