Rawls has dominated English-language political philosophy for the last fifty years with a theory of ‘liberal egalitarianism’ that balances basic political and personal freedoms with an insistence that inequalities are justified only if they benefit the worst-off in society Clear, brave, compelling. This book shows how to put values at the heart of politics in a rigorous way, and is an important contribution to the future of progressive politics -- David Miliband Critics of capitalism, however, have not confined themselves to assailing the impact of the well-off on politics. They have also complained about the absence both of an equitable distribution of income and wealth and of workplace democracy. Chandler shares their frustrations. His views on what might be done to remedy the more grotesque inequalities are modest enough, though they will appal libertarians and most Conservative voters. Given his enthusiasm for Rawls’s ‘worst off best off’ principle, it is unsurprising that his focus is heavily on improving the lot of the people at the bottom of the income and wealth scale. Slightly more surprising is the warm welcome Chandler gives to the idea of a universal basic income, paid to all adults at a rate of something like 60 per cent of the median income. The second half of the book focuses on how these principles can then be implemented in places like the UK and the US. While there are references to Rawls' philosophy, this reads more like a manifesto for change than a direct analysis of Rawls' ideas. While this is nice to read and the ideas are interesting, it somehow feels disconnected from the first part (and unnecessarily constrained by the fact that Chandler is supposed to be talking about Rawls). I would prefer to read a book by Chandler discussing ideas from a much larger collection of thinkers, rather than a selection of those which he can directly apply to Rawls' ideas. It is a claim that will likely raise eyebrows even within the discipline. When I interviewed Marc Stears, a political theorist who left a post at the University of Oxford to be an adviser to the then Labour leader Ed Miliband, he listed Rawls among the thinkers he left behind in the ivory tower: ‘There was no day where a bit of Rawls helped me’. The arguments in Free and Equal suggest that statement was a little too hasty and dismissive – demonstrating how Rawls can be used to speak to modern political issues. Yet the book falls short of demonstrating Rawls’ theories are anything like necessary or essential, and that they can provide the sort of holistic vision Chandler thinks we need.

This is the revolutionary thought experiment proposed by the twentieth century's greatest political philosopher, John Rawls. As economist and philosopher Daniel Chandler argues in this hugely ambitious and exhilarating intervention, it is by rediscovering Rawls that we can find a way out of the escalating crises that are devastating our world today.Imagine: you are designing a society, but you don't know who you'll be within it - rich or poor, man or woman, gay or straight. What would you want that society to look like? Invaluable... Chandler takes a set of universal principles around fairness, based on the philosophy of John Rawls, and applies them to the real world of liberal democracy -- Sir Vince Cable, former leader of the Liberal Democrats In this very timely and refreshing book, Daniel Chandler argues that rather than abandon liberalism we must reimagine it. Free and Equal asks big questions about how human society should be organised, and offers answers all of us should take seriously, whatever our politics -- Jesse Norman MP Philosopher John Rawls, whose ideas form the basis of Chandler’s book, in 1987. Photograph: Frederic Reglain/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images So many of the answers to our dilemmas about democracy and inequality can be found in the philosophy of John Rawls. Daniel Chandler brings those answers to life with contemporary evidence and solutions. Read Free and Equal and feel hopeful about the future -- Minouche Shafik

Chandler is the first person to write what amounts to a prospectus for a society embodying the principles expounded in A Theory of Justice. Free and Equal is laid out as one might expect. Part one is an account of A Theory of Justice and its critics, while part two is a series of five chapters spelling out the implications of Rawls’s thought for such things as freedom, democracy, equality of opportunity and shared prosperity. Readers who spent their undergraduate years grappling with Rawls and his critics will find it easy going. Anyone else ought to find it as clear and persuasive a consideration of A Theory of Justice as they will come across anywhere. Change the plan you will roll onto at any time during your trial by visiting the “Settings & Account” section. What happens at the end of my trial? While reading Huxley's Brave New World for my high-school English class, I obtained my very first serious interest: 'what would a good society look like?'. This book presents the best answer I've seen since I began studying economics and philosophy. Based on the work of egalitarian liberal philosopher John Rawls (which this book explains and defends, before focusing on its applications), this vision is far more attractive and intelligent than existing or proposed alternatives. After the abject failure of neoliberalism, we need a principled policy framework and handbook like this to move toward a society that is truly free, equal and prosperous. It's also heart-warming to see some of the world's leading economists (Angus Deaton, Amartya Sen) celebrate such a progressive and transformative Rawlsian agenda. A magnificent attempt to apply fundamental philosophical principles to the practical building of a better world. Far-reaching and well-evidenced, it offers a new, coherent, principles-based approach to policy design Professor Lord Richard LayardA rousing and original argument against hopelessness which will convince even the most jaded among us that a better public debate and a more just world are indeed within reach -- Ryan Avent The novelty and value is supposed to come from his ability to connect these proposals to Rawls’ moral framework and vision. Unfortunately, Rawls’ relevance to the second half of the book does not live up to the star billing he receives in the first. While chapters are themed around Rawls’ principles of justice, many of the policy recommendations are better described as loosely inspired by Rawls’ values rather than directly applying them.

This is a book brimming with hope and possibility - a much-needed alternative to the cynicism that pervades our politics, setting out a 'realistic utopia' that can galvanise people from all walks of life. Free and Equal has the potential not only to transform contemporary debate, but to offer a touchstone for a modern, egalitarian liberalism for many years to come, cementing Rawls's place in political discourse, and firmly establishing Chandler as a vital new voice for our time. A rousing and original argument against hopelessness which will convince even the most jaded among us that a better public debate and a more just world are indeed within reach Ryan Avent

As economist and philosopher Daniel Chandler argues in this hugely ambitious and exhilarating intervention, it is by rediscovering Rawls that we can find a way out of the escalating crises that are devastating our world today. Taking Rawls's humane and egalitarian liberalism as his starting point, Chandler builds a careful and ultimately irresistible case for a progressive agenda that would fundamentally reshape our societies for the better. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of the left, and indeed the future of liberal democracy Jon Cruddas MP

Invaluable... Chandler takes a set of universal principles around fairness, based on the philosophy of John Rawls, and applies them to the real world of liberal democracy Sir Vince Cable, former leader of the Liberal Democrats For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more. In Free and Equal Daniel Chandler argues that John Rawls's ideas can help us build a fairer society … given the lucidity and reach of what he writes, this book will meet a very important need’ - Amartya SenHis first book , Free and Equal: What Would a Fair Society Look Like? , makes the case for a new progressive liberalism grounded in the ideas of the philosopher John Rawls, and will be published by Penguin/Allen Lane in Spring 2023. A robust and inspiring case for the philosophy of John Rawls, dragging his theory of justice down from Harvard's ivory towers and