From Politics to Morality

'Den Uyl and Rasmussen’s Norms of Liberty initiated their extraordinary project of grounding their libertarian version of liberal political philosophy in their distinctive form of neo-Aristotelian ethics. At the core of Norms of Liberty is the contention that a perfectionist form of moral objectivism, rather than any form of moral skepticism, underwrites liberal order. This exciting volume brings together philosophers, political theorists, and economists who explore the key liberal individualist contentions of this work and their resilience in the face of anti-liberal challenges.' * Eric Mack, Tulane University, USA *
'Twenty years after its publication, Norms of Liberty remains the best defense for why freedom requires no apology — grounding individual rights not in utility or sentiment, but in the objective requirements of human flourishing: genuine moral agency requires the freedom to choose, to trade, and to pursue excellence on one's own terms. This retrospective brings together economists, philosophers, and political scientists to extend and apply that framework against the mounting pressures of our moment — from progressive demands that the state enforce equity to conservative calls for the state to mandate virtue.' * Michael Munger, Duke University, USA *
'Norms of Liberty by Douglas Rasmussen and Douglas Den Uyl remains a testament to the mutually supportive relationships between human freedom and personal flourishing, human sociality and individual self-perfection. This lively interdisciplinary anthology explores themes central to that pathbreaking volume. The contributors address a wide range of philosophical, ethical, and political issues, grappling with the impact of culture, history, and institutions. This is a must read—a vibrant, thought-provoking collection on the problems and promise of liberalism in an increasingly illiberal world.' * Chris Matthew Sciabarra, author of Total Freedom: Toward a Dialectical Libertarianism *
'Den Uyl and Rasmussen offer a profound response to those who argue that the liberal tradition has failed, that it undermines the pursuit of moral virtue. They show convincingly that the liberal tradition embraces both individual liberty and the desire for moral virtue. The procedural safeguard of that pursuit is non-perfectionist politics that provides structure but does not usurp individual choice. They reaffirm that the liberal tradition promotes cooperation among diverse voices seeking fulfillment through the exercise of personal responsibility. This is an eloquent response to the anxieties of our time. ' * Timothy Fuller, Colorado College, USA *
'More than two decades after its publication, Norms of Liberty continues to spark fruitful discussion about whether and how liberalism can foster sustainable conditions for human flourishing. This volume gathers together a stellar array of thoughtful interlocutors who probe from different angles the depth and limits of Rasmussen and Den Uyl's seminal work on moral objectivity, self-directedness, pluralism, and rights as metanorms.' * Carrie-Ann Biondi, Independent Scholar *
'In From Politics to Morality, distinguished scholars consider the argument offered in Rasmussen and Den Uyl's Norms of Liberty for a harmonization of personal, political, and economic liberty with a morally serious understanding of a life well lived. The result is thoughtful and penetrating commentary that illuminates an important philosophical work.' * Luigi Bradizza, Salve Regina University, USA *
'Natural law theory is given a fresh look and dusting off in this collection of essays. From a range of angles, the contributors scrutinize and demonstrate the vitality of Rasmussen and Den Uyl's arguments.' * Jennifer Baker, College of Charleston, USA *
'A welcome continuation of scholarly examinations, critiques, and extensions of Den Uyl and Rasmussen's contributions to the moral foundations of politics.' * Stephen R.C. Hicks, Ph.D., author of Explaining Postmodernism: Skepticism and Socialism from Rousseau to Foucault *
'From Politics to Morality is a comprehensive collection of essays that investigate, and respectfully challenge, Rasmussen and Den Uyl's seminal Norms of Liberty. In assembling, and expertly editing these contributions, Edward W. Younkins has compiled an edition that will undoubtedly find space on the bookshelf of every scholar of political and moral philosophy. The work is both revealing and stimulating in equal measure and will invariably advance discussions within these apposite contemporary arenas.' * Alan Sandry, Swansea University, UK *