The Realist Turn

Douglas B. Rasmussen and Douglas J. Den Uyl maintain that a realist turnnamely, one in which the natural order is the basis for individual rightsis needed to bring about a proper understanding and defense of liberty. They argue that the critical character of individual rights results from their being tethered to metaphysical realism. After reprising their explanation ****and defense of natural rights, Rasmussen and Den Uyl explain metaphysical realism and defend it against neo-pragmatist objections. They show it to be a formidable and preferable alternative to epistemic constructivism and crucial for a suitable understanding of ideal theory.

Argues that a realist turn is needed to bring about a proper understanding and defense of liberty. Provides a basis for the reality of both natural goodness and natural rights. Uses insights from Aquinas and Wittgenstein to defend cognitive realism and challenge constructivism.

Autorentext
Douglas B. Rasmussen is Professor of Philosophy at St. John's University, NYC, USA.

Douglas J. Den Uyl is Vice-President of Educational Programs at Liberty Fund, Indianapolis, USA.

Klappentext

Douglas B. Rasmussen and Douglas J. Den Uyl maintain that a realist turn namely, one in which the natural order is the basis for individual rights is needed to bring about a proper understanding and defense of liberty. They argue that the critical character of individual rights results from their being tethered to metaphysical realism. After reprising their explanation and defense of natural rights, Rasmussen and Den Uyl explain metaphysical realism and defend it against neo-pragmatist objections. They show it to be a formidable and preferable alternative to epistemic constructivism and crucial for a suitable understanding of ideal theory.

Inhalt

Chapter One:Whence Natural Rights?.- Chapter Two: How to Understand and Justify Individual Rights: A Synopsis.- Chapter Three: On Principle.- Chapter Four: Objections to Natural Rights and Replies.- Chapter Five: Segue.- Chapter Six: On the Rejection of Metaphysical Realism for Ethical Knowledge.- Chapter Seven: **On the Alleged Demise of Metaphysical Realism.- Chapter Eight: The Importance of the Realist Turn.