Contemporary Theories of Liberalism: Public Reason As a Post-Enlightenment Project

Contemporary Theories of Liberalism provides students with a comprehensive overview of the key tenets of liberalism developed through Hobbes, Locke, Kant and Rawls to present day theories and debates.

Central to recent debate has been the idea of public reason. The book explores the five dominant theories of public reason, nameely, Rawlsian political liberalism, deliberative democracy, impartialist utilitarianism, Neo-Hobbesianism, and justificatory liberalism.

Aligning himself with the school of justificatory liberalism, Gaus presents an accessible and critical analysis of all contemporary liberal political theory and powerfully illustrate the distinct, and important contribution of justificatory liberalism.

Contemporary Theories of Liberalism will be essential reading for students and academics seeking a deeping understanding of liberal political theory today.