Abstract:
If structural injustice is the problem, is liberalism the solution? This paper argues that over the last few centuries liberalism tackled three manifestations of historical injustice (slavery; natural hierarchies; colonialism) by promoting the mantra of individual rights, but the unintended consequence of this philosophy was to engender and legitimize even more enduring forms of structural injustice (exploitation; inequality; domination). Historical injustice has not gone away, it has simply learned to accommodate liberal orthodoxy. To tackle structural injustice, it may be necessary to look beyond liberalism.
About:
Dr. Vittorio Bufacchi is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at University College Cork, Ireland. He is the author of 'Violence and Social Justice' (Palgrave); 'Social Injustice' (Palgrave); and 'Everything Must Change: Philosophical Lessons from Lockdown' (Manchester). His next book, 'Why Cicero Matters' (Bloomsbury) will be published in October 2023. He is the editor of the book series 'Palgrave Philosophy Today'. www.vittoriobufacchi.com