Issues

A Realistic Political Ideal. Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 33, Issue 1-2, Fall 2016, pp. 1–10. 

Abstract: Over the past decade, political philosophers and theorists have reflected on the merits of realism and idealism when theorizing about justice. The contributions to this volume represent a conversation about what would make one articulation of ideals better than another.

An Anatomy of Corruption. Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 35, Issue 2, Winter 2018, pp. 1–11 

Abstract: Which social arrangements have historically fostered progress and prosperity? One quick answer, falsely attributed to Adam Smith, is that we are guided by an “invisible hand” to do what builds the wealth of nations. A more sober answer is that if the right framework of rules (plus decent officiating) steers us away from monopoly privilege and toward being valuable to those around us, we will be part of the engine driving human progress and the wealth of nations.

The Administrative State (with Mario I. Juarez-Garcia). Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 38, Issue 1, Summer 2021, pp. 1–5. 

Abstract: There has always been a tension, in theory, between the public accountability and the professional efficiency of the agencies of the administrative state. How has that tension been handled? What would it be like for it to be well handled?

Science, Technology, and Value. Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 38, Issue 2, Winter 2021, pp. 1–10  

Abstract: Technological innovations and scientific discoveries do not occur in a vacuum, but instead leave us needing to reimagine what we thought we knew about the human condition.

Justifying Taxation (with Mario J. Rizzo and Richard A. Epstein). Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 39, Issue 1, Summer 2022, pp. 1–10 

Abstract: Taxation is more than one thing. Taxes can be levied in various ways on various items with different effects, raising varied challenges of justification. It is a “dirty job” that must be done, sustaining crucial public spending as the least of evils.

What Does Egalitarianism Require?. Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 39, Issue 2, Winter 2022, pp. 1–12 

Abstract: Rawlsian theory famously claims that basic principles of justice apply to a society’s basic structure. G. A. Cohen found it convenient to treat these principles as merely political, excluding personal application. Cohen argued that a sincere egalitarian champion would “walk the talk,” applying egalitarian principles to how one lives.

Global Crises. Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 40, Issue 2, Winter 2023, pp. 273–282. 

Abstract: Sometimes, we see crises coming. Sometimes we can muster the resources we need to respond effectively. Sometimes we can acquire the information we need to respond. This essay explores how societies deal with crises and what challenges arise in response.

Poverty. Social Philosophy and Policy, Vol. 40, Issue 1, Summer 2023, pp. 1–8. 

Abstract: Poverty can be an ephemeral life stage or a systemic affliction endangering communities. A common theme is that understanding poverty requires recognizing that poor people are agents, not just mouths to be fed. As Amartya Sen noted (crediting Adam Smith), poor people are active agents working their way out of poverty.