The Problematics of Moral and Legal Theory

The Problematics of Moral and Legal Theory

Author: Richard A. Posner

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2009-06-01

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 9780674042230

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Ambitious legal thinkers have become mesmerized by moral philosophy, believing that great figures in the philosophical tradition hold the keys to understanding and improving law and justice and even to resolving the most contentious issues of constitutional law. They are wrong, contends Richard Posner in this book. Posner characterizes the current preoccupation with moral and constitutional theory as the latest form of legal mystification--an evasion of the real need of American law, which is for a greater understanding of the social, economic, and political facts out of which great legal controversies arise. In pursuit of that understanding, Posner advocates a rebuilding of the law on the pragmatic basis of open-minded and systematic empirical inquiry and the rejection of cant and nostalgia--the true professionalism foreseen by Oliver Wendell Holmes a century ago. A bracing book that pulls no punches and leaves no pieties unpunctured or sacred cows unkicked, The Problematics of Moral and Legal Theory offers a sweeping tour of the current scene in legal studies--and a hopeful prospect for its future.


Book Synopsis The Problematics of Moral and Legal Theory by : Richard A. Posner

Download or read book The Problematics of Moral and Legal Theory written by Richard A. Posner and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2009-06-01 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ambitious legal thinkers have become mesmerized by moral philosophy, believing that great figures in the philosophical tradition hold the keys to understanding and improving law and justice and even to resolving the most contentious issues of constitutional law. They are wrong, contends Richard Posner in this book. Posner characterizes the current preoccupation with moral and constitutional theory as the latest form of legal mystification--an evasion of the real need of American law, which is for a greater understanding of the social, economic, and political facts out of which great legal controversies arise. In pursuit of that understanding, Posner advocates a rebuilding of the law on the pragmatic basis of open-minded and systematic empirical inquiry and the rejection of cant and nostalgia--the true professionalism foreseen by Oliver Wendell Holmes a century ago. A bracing book that pulls no punches and leaves no pieties unpunctured or sacred cows unkicked, The Problematics of Moral and Legal Theory offers a sweeping tour of the current scene in legal studies--and a hopeful prospect for its future.


A Dictionary of Legal Theory

A Dictionary of Legal Theory

Author: Brian Bix

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13:

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Modern legal theory contains a wide range of approaches and topics: from economic analysis of law to feminist legal theory to traditional analytical legal philosophy to a range of theories about justice. This healthy variety of jurisprudential work has created a problem: students and theorists working in one tradition may have difficulty understanding the concepts and terminology of a different tradition. This book works to make terminology and ways of thinking accessible. This dictionary covers topics from the 'autonomy of law' to the 'will theory of rights', from 'autopoiesis' to 'wealth maximization', and from 'John Austin' to 'Ludwig Wittgenstein'. The most important concepts and ideas are presented in a simple dictionary format. There are also many longer entries, where the initial definition gives an accessible explanation, but the entry goes on to give more detailed information about the history of an idea and the debates currently surrounding it.


Book Synopsis A Dictionary of Legal Theory by : Brian Bix

Download or read book A Dictionary of Legal Theory written by Brian Bix and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2004 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Modern legal theory contains a wide range of approaches and topics: from economic analysis of law to feminist legal theory to traditional analytical legal philosophy to a range of theories about justice. This healthy variety of jurisprudential work has created a problem: students and theorists working in one tradition may have difficulty understanding the concepts and terminology of a different tradition. This book works to make terminology and ways of thinking accessible. This dictionary covers topics from the 'autonomy of law' to the 'will theory of rights', from 'autopoiesis' to 'wealth maximization', and from 'John Austin' to 'Ludwig Wittgenstein'. The most important concepts and ideas are presented in a simple dictionary format. There are also many longer entries, where the initial definition gives an accessible explanation, but the entry goes on to give more detailed information about the history of an idea and the debates currently surrounding it.


Evaluation and Legal Theory

Evaluation and Legal Theory

Author: Julie Dickson

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2001-06-05

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 1847313086

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If Raz and Dworkin disagree over how law should be characterised,how are we, their jurisprudential public, supposed to go about adjudicating between the rival theories which they offer us? To what considerations would those theorists themselves appeal in order to convince us that their accounts of law are accurate and successful? Moreover, what is it that makes an account of law successful? Evaluation and Legal Theory tackles methodological or meta-theoretical issues such as these, and does so via attempting to answer the question: to what extent, and in what sense, must a legal theorist make value judgements about his data in order to construct a successful theory of law? Dispelling the obfuscatory myth that legal positivism seeks a 'value-free' account of law, the author attempts to explain and defend Joseph Razs position that evaluation is essential to successful legal theory, whilst refuting John Finnis and Ronald Dworkins contentions that the legal theorist must morally evaluate and morally justify the law in order to properly explain its nature. The book does not claim to solve the many mysteries of meta-legal theory but does seek to contribute to and engender rigorous and focused debate on this topic.


Book Synopsis Evaluation and Legal Theory by : Julie Dickson

Download or read book Evaluation and Legal Theory written by Julie Dickson and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2001-06-05 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If Raz and Dworkin disagree over how law should be characterised,how are we, their jurisprudential public, supposed to go about adjudicating between the rival theories which they offer us? To what considerations would those theorists themselves appeal in order to convince us that their accounts of law are accurate and successful? Moreover, what is it that makes an account of law successful? Evaluation and Legal Theory tackles methodological or meta-theoretical issues such as these, and does so via attempting to answer the question: to what extent, and in what sense, must a legal theorist make value judgements about his data in order to construct a successful theory of law? Dispelling the obfuscatory myth that legal positivism seeks a 'value-free' account of law, the author attempts to explain and defend Joseph Razs position that evaluation is essential to successful legal theory, whilst refuting John Finnis and Ronald Dworkins contentions that the legal theorist must morally evaluate and morally justify the law in order to properly explain its nature. The book does not claim to solve the many mysteries of meta-legal theory but does seek to contribute to and engender rigorous and focused debate on this topic.


Western Legal Theory

Western Legal Theory

Author: Augusto Zimmermann

Publisher:

Published: 2012-12-07

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780409333183

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Western Legal Theory: History, Concepts and Perspectives enable readers to gain a holistic appreciation of the law by presenting a broad collection of ideas concerning the nature of law. The author draws from a number of social disciplines to provide a rounded sense of what law really is and how it should work in society. The text discusses a wide range of theories and theorists, and also traces the historical developments of Western legal thought from ancient times to the present day. With a focus on the historical and contemporary role of philosophy in the interpretation of law, Western Legal Theory: History, Concepts and Perspectives provide a fascinating insight into the development of law and a comprehensive analysis of current legal thought. It is ideal for students of legal theory and jurisprudence, legal history, political philosophy, and legal practitioners and general readers interested in the theories underpinning our legal institutions and framework.


Book Synopsis Western Legal Theory by : Augusto Zimmermann

Download or read book Western Legal Theory written by Augusto Zimmermann and published by . This book was released on 2012-12-07 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Western Legal Theory: History, Concepts and Perspectives enable readers to gain a holistic appreciation of the law by presenting a broad collection of ideas concerning the nature of law. The author draws from a number of social disciplines to provide a rounded sense of what law really is and how it should work in society. The text discusses a wide range of theories and theorists, and also traces the historical developments of Western legal thought from ancient times to the present day. With a focus on the historical and contemporary role of philosophy in the interpretation of law, Western Legal Theory: History, Concepts and Perspectives provide a fascinating insight into the development of law and a comprehensive analysis of current legal thought. It is ideal for students of legal theory and jurisprudence, legal history, political philosophy, and legal practitioners and general readers interested in the theories underpinning our legal institutions and framework.


Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Legal Theory, and Judicial Restraint

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Legal Theory, and Judicial Restraint

Author: Frederic R. Kellogg

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2006-12-11

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 1139460870

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Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr, is considered by many to be the most influential American jurist. The voluminous literature devoted to his writings and legal thought, however, is diverse and inconsistent. In this study, Frederic R. Kellogg follows Holmes's intellectual path from his early writings through his judicial career. He offers a fresh perspective that addresses the views of Holmes's leading critics and explains his relevance to the controversy over judicial activism and restraint. Holmes is shown to be an original legal theorist who reconceived common law as a theory of social inquiry and who applied his insights to constitutional law. From his empirical and naturalist perspective on law, with its roots in American pragmatism, emerged Holmes's distinctive judicial and constitutional restraint. Kellogg distinguishes Holmes from analytical legal positivism and contrasts him with a range of thinkers.


Book Synopsis Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Legal Theory, and Judicial Restraint by : Frederic R. Kellogg

Download or read book Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Legal Theory, and Judicial Restraint written by Frederic R. Kellogg and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2006-12-11 with total page 177 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr, is considered by many to be the most influential American jurist. The voluminous literature devoted to his writings and legal thought, however, is diverse and inconsistent. In this study, Frederic R. Kellogg follows Holmes's intellectual path from his early writings through his judicial career. He offers a fresh perspective that addresses the views of Holmes's leading critics and explains his relevance to the controversy over judicial activism and restraint. Holmes is shown to be an original legal theorist who reconceived common law as a theory of social inquiry and who applied his insights to constitutional law. From his empirical and naturalist perspective on law, with its roots in American pragmatism, emerged Holmes's distinctive judicial and constitutional restraint. Kellogg distinguishes Holmes from analytical legal positivism and contrasts him with a range of thinkers.


Frontiers of Legal Theory

Frontiers of Legal Theory

Author: Richard A. Posner

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2004-03

Total Pages: 474

ISBN-13: 9780674013605

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The most exciting development in legal thinking since World War II has been the growth of interdisciplinary legal studies. Judge Richard Posner has been a leader in this movement, and his new book explores its rapidly expanding frontier.


Book Synopsis Frontiers of Legal Theory by : Richard A. Posner

Download or read book Frontiers of Legal Theory written by Richard A. Posner and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2004-03 with total page 474 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The most exciting development in legal thinking since World War II has been the growth of interdisciplinary legal studies. Judge Richard Posner has been a leader in this movement, and his new book explores its rapidly expanding frontier.


Tort Theory

Tort Theory

Author: Kenneth D. Cooper-Stephenson

Publisher: Captus Press

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 9780921801870

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Book Synopsis Tort Theory by : Kenneth D. Cooper-Stephenson

Download or read book Tort Theory written by Kenneth D. Cooper-Stephenson and published by Captus Press. This book was released on 1993 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Frontiers of Legal Theory

Frontiers of Legal Theory

Author: Richard A. Posner

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2004-03

Total Pages: 462

ISBN-13: 0674013603

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The most exciting development in legal thinking since World War II has been the growth of interdisciplinary legal studies. Judge Richard Posner has been a leader in this movement, and his new book explores its rapidly expanding frontier.


Book Synopsis Frontiers of Legal Theory by : Richard A. Posner

Download or read book Frontiers of Legal Theory written by Richard A. Posner and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2004-03 with total page 462 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The most exciting development in legal thinking since World War II has been the growth of interdisciplinary legal studies. Judge Richard Posner has been a leader in this movement, and his new book explores its rapidly expanding frontier.


Recognizing Wrongs

Recognizing Wrongs

Author: John C. P. Goldberg

Publisher: Belknap Press

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 393

ISBN-13: 0674241703

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"Recognizing Wrongs is about tort law, also commonly known as "personal injury law." The book's central thesis is that tort law fulfills a basic obligation that government owes to each of us: to provide law that defines and proscribes a special class of wrongs - wrongs that involve one person mistreating another - and to provide a means for victims of such wrongs to obtain redress from those who have wronged them. This book aims to recover the traditional understanding of tort law by helping readers to recognize what it is all about. It does so by offering a systematic statement of a theory now known in academic circles as "civil recourse theory." In providing a comprehensive statement of that theory, the book aims to unseat both the leading philosophical theory of tort law - corrective justice theory, as put forward by Jules Coleman, John Gardner, Arthur Ripstein, Ernest Weinrib, and others - as well as the economic approach favored by scholars such as Guido Calabresi and Richard Posner"--


Book Synopsis Recognizing Wrongs by : John C. P. Goldberg

Download or read book Recognizing Wrongs written by John C. P. Goldberg and published by Belknap Press. This book was released on 2020 with total page 393 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Recognizing Wrongs is about tort law, also commonly known as "personal injury law." The book's central thesis is that tort law fulfills a basic obligation that government owes to each of us: to provide law that defines and proscribes a special class of wrongs - wrongs that involve one person mistreating another - and to provide a means for victims of such wrongs to obtain redress from those who have wronged them. This book aims to recover the traditional understanding of tort law by helping readers to recognize what it is all about. It does so by offering a systematic statement of a theory now known in academic circles as "civil recourse theory." In providing a comprehensive statement of that theory, the book aims to unseat both the leading philosophical theory of tort law - corrective justice theory, as put forward by Jules Coleman, John Gardner, Arthur Ripstein, Ernest Weinrib, and others - as well as the economic approach favored by scholars such as Guido Calabresi and Richard Posner"--


The Law in Philosophical Perspectives

The Law in Philosophical Perspectives

Author: Luc J. Wintgens

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-17

Total Pages: 284

ISBN-13: 9401593175

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In this age of collections that is ours, many volumes of collections are published. They contain contributions of several well-known authors, and their aim is to present a selective overview of a relevant field of study. This book has the same purpose. Its aim is to introduce students, scholars and all those interested in current problems of legal theory and legal philosophy to the work of the leading scholars in this field. The large number of publications, both books and articles, that have been produced over recent decades makes it quite difficult, however, for those who are making their first steps in this domain to find firm guidelines. The book is new in its genre because of its method. The choice was made not to reprint an example of contributors' earlier basic articles or a part of one of their books. This would only give a partial view of the rich texture of their work. Rather, the authors were asked to make an original synthesis of their own contributions to the field of legal theory and legal philosophy. Brought together in this volume, they constitute a truly author-ised view of their work. This book is also new in that each essay is complemented with bibliographical information in order to encourage further research on the author's self-selected work. This will help the reader rapidly to become familiar with the whole of the published work of the contributors.


Book Synopsis The Law in Philosophical Perspectives by : Luc J. Wintgens

Download or read book The Law in Philosophical Perspectives written by Luc J. Wintgens and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-04-17 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this age of collections that is ours, many volumes of collections are published. They contain contributions of several well-known authors, and their aim is to present a selective overview of a relevant field of study. This book has the same purpose. Its aim is to introduce students, scholars and all those interested in current problems of legal theory and legal philosophy to the work of the leading scholars in this field. The large number of publications, both books and articles, that have been produced over recent decades makes it quite difficult, however, for those who are making their first steps in this domain to find firm guidelines. The book is new in its genre because of its method. The choice was made not to reprint an example of contributors' earlier basic articles or a part of one of their books. This would only give a partial view of the rich texture of their work. Rather, the authors were asked to make an original synthesis of their own contributions to the field of legal theory and legal philosophy. Brought together in this volume, they constitute a truly author-ised view of their work. This book is also new in that each essay is complemented with bibliographical information in order to encourage further research on the author's self-selected work. This will help the reader rapidly to become familiar with the whole of the published work of the contributors.