Justice, Equal Opportunity and the Family

by James S. Fishkin

Book Overview

Three common assumptions of both liberal theory and political debate are the autonomy of the family, the principle of merit, and equality of life chances. Fishkin argues that even under the best conditions, commitment to any two of these principles precludes the third.
"A brief survey and brilliant critique of contemporary liberal political theory.... A must for all political theory or public policy collections." -Choice
"The strong points...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300032498
• ISBN13: 9780300032499
• Release Date: September 1984
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Fishkin's Trilemma

James S. Fishkin provides a very lucid account of a three-horned problem in American liberalism: the practical incompatability of some of the most cherished American beliefs. Despite almost universal acceptance, selection on the basis of merit, equal opportunity (not equal results), and the autonomy of the family (to dispose of its resources) are at odds. How this 'trilemma' is resolved hits at the heart of contemporary American politics. Fishkin's resolution of this fundamental tension is facinating and problematic.