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Since his passing in 2009, Cohen has been subject to sustained scrutiny and praise as his influence continues to grow. This companion volume situates Cohenian thinking in contemporary debates about capitalism, liberalism, libertarianism, liberal socialism and democratic socialism. This book will be essential reading for scholars of political philosophy, political economy and critical theory, in particular those with a focus on Marxism and socialist thought.
The book presents both well-established and up-and-coming scholars readings of Cohen, offering generational perspectives on his work and its contemporary implications. The book is divided into three parts, with the first part focusing solely on Cohen s defense of Marx and his foundation of analytical Marxism, in particular his classic book Karl Marx s Theory of History: A Defense. The second part examines the normative turn of Cohen s work later in life, in particular his deep engagement and complex relationship with the tradition of liberal egalitarianism, while the third part broadens the scope of the book to a discussion of Cohen s relationship with more distant theoretical traditions.
List of contents
Part I: Marxism, History and Materialism.- 1. G.A. Cohen s Theory of History: A Defence.- 2. History and Freedom in Marx and Cohen.- Part II: Radical Socialism, Liberal Egalitarianism and Liberal Socialism?.- 3. Radical Socialist and Liberal Socialist Equality.- 4. The Scope of Justice: Cohen s Challenge to Rawlsian Liberalism.- 5. Socialist Justice: Reflections on G.A. Cohen s Political Philosophy.- Part III: Normative Defenses and Critiques of Democratic Socialism.- 6. Is There a Conflict Between Justice and Non-Exploitation?.- 7. G.A. Cohen, the Neglect of Democratic Self-Management, and the Future of Democratic Socialism.- 8. How Capitalism Preserves Liberty.- 9. Cohen s Equality of Opportunity Folly: Does Luck Egalitarianism Imply Atomism?.
About the author
Ben Burgis is a Lecturer in Philosophy at Rutgers University, USA, and the host of 'Give Them an Argument'. He has appeared on the Joe Rogan Show and debated Charlie Kirk amongst other high profile appearances. He is the author of the bestselling Give Them an Argument: Logic for the Left. His academic contributions include his monograph Logic Without Gaps or Gluts and essays on G.A Cohen in Nietzsche and the Politics of Reaction (Palgrave Macmillan).
Matthew McManus is an incoming Assistant Professor of Political Theory at Spelman College, USA. He is the author of books such as The Rise of Post-Modern Conservatism and A Critical Legal of Examination of Liberalism and Liberal Rights published with Palgrave Macmillan.
Summary
Since his passing in 2009, Cohen has been subject to sustained scrutiny and praise as his influence continues to grow. This companion volume situates Cohenian thinking in contemporary debates about capitalism, liberalism, libertarianism, liberal socialism and democratic socialism. This book will be essential reading for scholars of political philosophy, political economy and critical theory, in particular those with a focus on Marxism and socialist thought.
The book presents both well-established and up-and-coming scholars’ readings of Cohen, offering generational perspectives on his work and its contemporary implications. The book is divided into three parts, with the first part focusing solely on Cohen’s defense of Marx and his foundation of analytical Marxism, in particular his classic book Karl Marx’s Theory of History: A Defense. The second part examines the normative ‘turn’ of Cohen’s work later in life, in particular his deep engagement and complex relationship with the tradition of liberal egalitarianism, while the third part broadens the scope of the book to a discussion of Cohen’s relationship with more distant theoretical traditions.
