Showing a limited preview of this publication:
Abstract
In this paper I argue that when thinking about justice, political philosophers should pay more attention to social norms, not just the usual subjects of basic principles, rights, laws, and policies. I identify two widely-endorsed ideas about political philosophy that interfere with recognizing the importance of social norms-ideas I dub ‘compulsoriness’ and ‘institutionalism’-and argue for their rejection. I do this largely by focusing on questions about who can and should be an agent of justice. I argue that careful reflection on these questions supports a kind of pluralism that reveals the importance of social norms, three types of which I discuss.
Published Online: 2016-05-14
Published in Print: 2009-11-01
© 2009 by Lucius & Lucius, Stuttgart
