ABSTRACT
First published in 1983. The primary argument of this book is that there is a coherent tradition of liberal thinking that extends from L. S. Mill, through liberals like T. H. Green, Bernard Bosanquet, L. T. Hobhouse and John Dewey to John Rawls. The author places Rawls within a longstanding tradition of liberal thinking, while also arguing that Green and Hobhouse are not simply of historical interest but represent genuine and interesting attempts to develop a modern liberal theory.
It is argued that modern liberal theory centres on a conception of human nature; that modern liberals have sought to harmonise the pursuit of individuality with participation in social and communal life. Although the book focuses on six modern liberals, the discussion proceeds topically rather than according to author, thus highlighting similarities and disagreements and providing a comprehensive study of modern liberalism.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
chapter I|14 pages
Introductory
part One|149 pages
Human Nature
chapter I|39 pages
Individuality
chapter II|26 pages
Sociability: Social Life
chapter III|36 pages
Sociability: Community
chapter IV|45 pages
Developmentalism
part Two|109 pages
Politics