
Freedom or Equality?
Gizi Rapaport(Author)
University Press of America
Published on 12. December 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
178 pages
978-0-7618-5751-8 (ISBN)
Description
Today, it is a common supposition that the great either-or alternatives of absolute freedom or absolute equality-that is, pure capitalism or perfect socialism-are no longer relevant. The democratic welfare state, where the government's intervention is moderate, is conceived as having the benefits of both capitalism and socialism. But in the welfare state, decisions must be made constantly on whether the intervention of the government should be expanded in favor of more equality, or limited in favor of more freedom. On what basis should such a decision be made? The book Freedom or Equality? may assist in selecting the desirable direction. This text conducts a comprehensive theoretical analysis based on human nature and the causes of failure or success in states where freedom or equality are fully achieved.
Reviews / Votes
Your book was extremely fascinating for me. I believe that your discussion of the two concepts-freedom and equality-was profound, and that you raised conclusions with which I definitely agree. The tension resulting from absolute equality or absolute freedom is an inherent tension, with which we in Israel must live from day to day, especially in preparation for important social and economic decisions. -- Shimon Peres The special contribution of Ms. Rapaport's book lies in her ability to identify the simple and central point of the disagreement between the two camps. Her main innovation is the argument that once we have located that point, it is possible to see clearly the special problems of the socialist solution: it is too closely connected to a dubious perception of true human nature. The elucidation of this simple point is of crucial importance in transforming this composition into a useful and even vital book for a wide reading public. -- Jacob Joshua Ross, professor emeritus and former chair, Philosophy Department, Tel Aviv University Dr. Gizi Rapaport has written a careful study of the great political debate of modern times-whether classical liberty or socialist equality best realizes human potential. Dr. Rapaport's useful contribution is to draw upon the work of thinkers as diverse as John Stuart Mill, Herbert Marcuse, Milton Friedman, Moses Hess, and Isaiah Berlin in making more precise our understanding of the core concepts of freedom, equality, welfare, and fraternity. -- Stephen Hicks, Chair, Philosophy Department, Rockford CollegeMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Lanham, MD
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 155 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
277 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7618-5751-8 (9780761857518)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Gizi Rapaport grew up under Communism in Romania and arrived in Israel at age 14. She taught philosophy of the social sciences and political philosophy at Tel Aviv University. Her Hebrew publications include: Freedom or Equality? (1992), On Feminism and its Opponents (1993), Beyond Limits: Women vs. Women (1999), For a Particular Secular Option: From Monotheism to Rationality (2005), and The Best of All Possible Worlds (2011).
Content
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Presentation of the Theses
Chapter 2: Types of States And Types of People
Chapter 3: The Nature of Man
Chapter 4: The Welfare Option
Chapter 5: Justification
Summary
Bibliography
Notes
Introduction
Chapter 1: Presentation of the Theses
Chapter 2: Types of States And Types of People
Chapter 3: The Nature of Man
Chapter 4: The Welfare Option
Chapter 5: Justification
Summary
Bibliography
Notes