We are often warned to observe the distinction between fact and value in talking about social and political life and it has seemed to many that equality is a sphere where one is especially liable to blunder if one fails to respect this conceptual frontier. Are men naturally equal? Should they be treated equally? Are these different kinds of questions? And what is it to treat men equally, anyway? These are some of the questions discussed in this short study.
To be clear as to whether one is for or against quality is therefore no simple matter. Moreover the problem of how far equality is possible must set limits to the egalitarian's aspirations. And is there a clear-cut answer to that?
In the works of the great figures in the history of political thought, fact and value are often inseparably intertwined and no study of equality can avoid that. On the factual side, the main emphasis has been put on political equality, which seemed appropriate for a volume aimed principally at the student of politics. But this is not to assume that the social and political are autonomous spheres. Mill, Marx and de Tocqueville have ensured that we do not make that mistake.
John Rees was educated at Cambridge University and the London School of Economics. He has lectured in politics at universities of Southampton, Birmingham, Leicester and Swansea.
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Paperback, good condition. Slight wear to cover edges.
Published by The Macmillan Press, 1972.
ISBN: 0333120027