The New Social Contract Beyond Liberal Democracy

by Gerrard, Gary

• ISBN13: 9780761821694
• ISBN10: 0761821694
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-12-22
• Publisher: UPA

Summary

Is liberal democracy the end of history? Is a written constitution the ultimate political authority? Does majority rule equal moral rule? Are all moral values relative? What is the legitimate use of coercive force in society? The New Social Contract--Beyond Liberal Democracy offers an answer to these and other age-old questions. Even more important than theoretical answers, The New Social Contract offers a way to turn theory into practical reality, to join moral and political philosophy with the coercive force of the law of society and thereby create a society that provides the greatest possible opportunity for each and every individual to achieve his or her happiness.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Introduction	xi
PART I The Physical and Evolutionary Origins of Life, Society, Morality and Individualism
The Complexity of Life	3	(20)
Biological Society	23	(6)
The Emergence of Morality	29	(24)
The Morality of Equality	53	(32)
Reflections on Human Nature	85	(10)
Part II Translating the Morality of Equality into the Political Theory and Political Practice of an Individualistic Society
The Origin and Purpose of Rights	95	(18)
The Social Contract in Theory	113	(12)
The American Experiment	125	(28)
Creating an Individualistic Society	153	(20)
Interpreting the New Social Contract	173	(54)
Life in an Individualistic Society	227	(12)
Revolution or Evolution	239	(4)
Notes	243	(20)
Index	263