ABSTRACT

The Legal Theory of Ethical Positivism re-establishes some of the dogmas of classical legal positivism regarding the separation of legizlation and adjudication and the feasibility of institutionalizing the morally neutral application of rules as an ideal capable of significant realization. This is supplemented by an analysis of the formal similarities of the morally and legally adjudicative points of view which offers the prospects of attributing a degree of moral authority to positivistic rule application in particular cases. These theories are worked through in their application to specific problem areas, particularly freedom of communication.

chapter 1|12 pages

Introducing Ethical Positivism

chapter 2|28 pages

The Tragic Paradox of Politics

chapter 3|28 pages

The Roles of Rules

chapter 4|26 pages

Positivist Ideals

chapter 5|30 pages

The Ethics of Positivism

chapter 6|36 pages

Ethical Interpretations

chapter 7|28 pages

Humane Rights and Freedom of Expression

chapter 9|26 pages

Positivist Defamation Law

chapter 10|18 pages

Conclusion: A Unifying Prescription