Applying political theory : issues and debates

Smits, Katherine (author.).

Record details

ISBN: 9781137426826
ISBN: 1137426829
ISBN: 9781137426819
ISBN: 1137426810
Physical Description: print
xvii, 288 pages ; 24 cm
Edition: 2nd edition.
Publisher: London : Palgrave Macmillan, 2016.

Content descriptions

Formatted Contents Note:

Machine generated contents note: 1. Introduction -- Approaches to political theory -- Normative concepts or values -- Theoretical paradigms and frameworks -- structure of this book -- 2. How Should Resources Be Distributed? Taxation, Welfare and Redistribution -- Redistribution and the right to private property -- Equality and the case for redistribution -- Bad luck or bad choices? -- Ensuring human capabilities -- Sustaining communities through redistribution -- Conclusion -- 3. Are Minority Cultures Entitled to Recognition and Rights? -- Cultural rights versus individual freedom -- Deconstructed identities -- Group rights and cultural change -- Defending cultural rights: Autonomy and the role of culture in personal identity -- Societal cultures and ethnic groups -- Intrinsic rights for minority cultures -- Group interests versus the common good -- Interculturalism -- Cultural rights versus egalitarian distribution -- Cultural rights versus gender equality -- Conclusion -- 4. Is Affirmative Action Fair? -- Weak and strong affirmative action -- case in favour: Justice and fairness -- case in favour: Positive consequences -- case against: Justice and fairness -- case against: Negative consequences -- Conclusion -- 5. Should Prostitution and Pornography Be Legal? -- conservative case against prostitution and pornography -- Community values and sex work -- Sex as a commodity -- Marriage and prostitution -- False consciousness -- feminist case against pornography and prostitution -- Liberty, contract and sex work -- Feminist arguments for sexual freedom -- Conclusion -- 6. Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legal? -- Same-sex marriage and gay and lesbian rights -- freedom of contract argument -- Liberal arguments, rights and the role of marriage -- Communal values and moral argument -- Conservative opposition -- Radical opposition to marriage -- Conclusion -- 7. Should the State Prohibit Abortion and Euthanasia? -- Abortion law -- Morality and politics -- foetus as a person and the case against abortion -- Self-ownership and bodily rights -- Distinguishing human life from personhood -- Women's rights and the feminist defence of abortion -- Care and our duties to others -- Abortion and sexual inequality -- Dealing with the divide over abortion: Pluralism and toleration -- Euthanasia -- Autonomy, liberty and the right to die -- limits of autonomy and the value of `bodily life' -- Utilitarian arguments in favour of assisted suicide -- consequences of legalizing physician-assisted suicide and the `slippery slope' -- Conclusion -- 8. Should Offensive Speech Be Regulated? -- civil libertarian argument against regulating speech -- Freedom of speech and good self-government -- Democratic self-government and the case against offensive speech -- Freedom of speech `rights' versus the community `good' -- Free speech versus the recognition of cultural minorities -- Offensive speech and personal harm to group members -- Conclusion -- 9. Should Civil Liberties Be Restricted in Responding to the Threat of Terrorism? -- Liberty and security: Framing the debate -- State power and the protection of citizens -- dangers of state power -- democratic process and checks on executive power -- fundamental role of liberties -- selective impact of anti-terrorist measures on minorities -- Security and liberty: Critical perspectives -- Conclusion -- 10. Is Leaking Classified Material Justified? -- Whistleblowing -- Civil disobedience -- rule of law and political obligation -- Civil disobedience on the grounds of conscience -- Civic and democratic defences of civil disobedience -- case for regarding the leaking of classified materials as civil disobedience -- Against recognizing the leaking of classified materials as civil disobedience -- Conclusion -- 11. Should Rich Countries Give More Foreign Aid? -- Ethical arguments for redistribution to the world's poor -- Social cooperation and the limits of justice -- Nationality and particular obligations -- Arguments against international aid -- Justice and obligation between nations -- Conclusion -- 12. Can Military Intervention into Other Countries Be Justified on Humanitarian Grounds? -- Shifts in international political attitudes towards humanitarian intervention -- Intervention and international law -- State sovereignty -- Community membership and external -- Assistance -- Community membership and the case for intervention -- Just War -- Justifying intervention: the cosmopolitan argument -- Conclusion -- 13. Should the Natural Environment Be Protected for Future Generations? -- Nature as an intrinsic good -- Ecofeminism -- utilitarian case for conserving resources -- Egalitarian arguments for conservation -- Future generations and rights -- Natural environments and communities -- Private property and leaving `enough' for others -- Egalitarianism and the limits of justice -- Conclusion.