Reviews
Review by: Piers H.G. Stephens, University of Georgia - March 1, 2021
"The assumption that negative freedom, especially in economic affairs, is and should be the predominant conception of human liberty is pervasive in contemporary Western political life. However, this assumption is challenged in multiple ways by current developments: environmental and health crises, the rise of populism and identity politics, increasing inequality, new technologies, and the ongoing depletion of faith in liberal democracy all raise serious questions for the supposedly triumphant neoliberal project. This timely and impressive essay collection, incorporating the writings of a diversity of rising thinkers, examines the range of these questions as well as raising historical and philosophical critiques of their roots. Hats off to the editors for a volume that draws together, highlights, and intelligently explores such a vital range of reflections on freedom at such an important and challenging moment."
Review by: Mark Jones, professor of Law, Mercer University - March 1, 2021
"This rich collection of essays engages with several 'hot button' topics, including the Covid-19 pandemic, anti-pluralist populism, same sex marriage and religious liberty, systemic racism, the situation of various oppressed communities, using killer robots in warfare, and the tension between localism and globalism. The essays also explore the broader and deeper issues necessarily implicated in these topics, collectively demonstrating how the responsible exercise of freedom is conditioned by both natural forces and our immersion in a pre-existing web of social relationships and contexts (linguistic, ethical, interpersonal, economic, technological, political, legal, and institutional). Beyond this, readers will doubtless make additional connections among these stimulating contributions and discover that they respond to their individual interests and inform their individual projects in multiple ways."