Complex equality, relativism and critical perspective: Michael Walzer and his critics

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dc.contributor.advisorNielsen, Kai E.
dc.contributor.authorToombs, Bruce
dc.date.accessioned2005-07-21T19:45:50Z
dc.date.available2005-07-21T19:45:50Z
dc.date.issued1989
dc.descriptionBibliography: p. 149-158.en
dc.description.abstractIn this thesis, Michael Walzer's theory of complex equality is examined to see whether it is, as some of its critics have claimed, a relativistic theory of justice. In order to do this, the theory itself is set in the context of the so-called 'liberal-communitarian debate', since it is best considered a communitarian theory. Some of its more important aspects are made clear, especially its basis in what Walzer calls the "common life" of a political community and in a specific theory about the social origins of social goods (Chapter One). Then the views of four critics (Joshua Cohen, Susan Moller - Okin, Ronald Dworkin and Norman Daniels) are considered, and Walzer is defended against charges of relativism. A specific notion of incommensurability is introduced and attributed to Walzer, and his notion of a universal, if minimal, code of moral prohibitions is introduced, both by way of responding to the relativism charge (Chapter Two). The defense is continued by way of offering a contextualist, historicistic reading of Walzer that stresses his emphasis on moral justification rather than moral truth. The charge that his theory lacks critical distance, which is linked to the relativism charge, is considered, and the conclusion reached that while on the basis of the Walzer's writings so far we should consider that there is a possible moral conservatism (linked to his communitarianism) inherent in his view, his thinking appears to be in transition. He may be moving out of the communitarian camp, into the space between the liberals and the communitarians (Chapter 3).
dc.format.extentvii, 158 leaves ; 30 cm.en
dc.identifier.citationToombs, B. (1989). Complex equality, relativism and critical perspective: Michael Walzer and his critics (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/12142en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/12142
dc.identifier.isbn0315617632en
dc.identifier.lccB 945 W3 T66 1989en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/21892
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subject.lccB 945 W3 T66 1989en
dc.subject.lcshWalzer, Michael - Criticism and interpretation
dc.titleComplex equality, relativism and critical perspective: Michael Walzer and his critics
dc.typemaster thesis
thesis.degree.disciplinePhilosophy
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Arts (MA)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
ucalgary.thesis.notesoffsiteen
ucalgary.thesis.uarcreleaseyen
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