Social Justice, Human Rights and Public Policy [Hardcover]

Hugh V McLachlan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2005

Although justice- as a virtue rather than a 'value' or a 'vision'- is of great importance to both ethics and politics, it does not have the pivotal significance in relation to public policy that advocates of 'social justice' claim for it. There is more to politics than ethics and more to ethics than justice. Similarly, the rationale behind the rhetorically forceful term 'human rights' is weaker than is commonly supposed. Among the topics considered in relation to social justice and human rights are: health; health care; education; income and wealth; taxation; discrimination and affirmative action; disability; and poverty. The Report of the Commission on Social Justice, the most comprehensive account of the Welfare State since Beveridge, is analysed and evaluated. A theory is developed in which justice and rights- as opposed to needs or wants- are conceptually related. Rights are analysed in terms of duties and two sorts or moral and legal rights are considered: rights of action and rights of recipience. The case is made that many so-called 'human rights'- since they cannot be plausibly linked to the performable duties of actual people, states or other agencies- are not rights of any significant sort. Living in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Dr McLachlan, an experienced broadcaster on radio and television, has published numerous articles in social sciences and applied philosophy, particularly in relation to medical ethics- for instance, surrogate motherhood, embryology, human cloning and abortion. He is joint author of A Source-book of Scottish Witchcraft and the editor of Witches of Renfrewshire, (forthcoming). He is currently a Reader in the School of Law and Social Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Humming Earth (March 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846220025
• ISBN-13: 978-1846220029
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,113,764 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars A philosophical & critical analysis of "The Report" by New Labour, December 30, 2005

By 

Alan M. Baxter (Fettercarin Scotland UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Social Justice, Human Rights and Public Policy (Paperback)

This book gives a critical philosophical review of the statements, policies, and foundations, or lack of them, contained in Labour's policy document "The Report", developed in 1995 when the now New Labour were in embryonic state.
This is one of the most interesting books I have read, mainly because it gives an insight into how New Labour have set out their stall and the origins of the policies now being implemented.
The analysis and arguments used by the author shows the weaknesses in the Report's fundamental statements or positions, now used as foundations for public policy, and clearly outlines the flaws by simple philosophical argument, using occasionally humorous and sometimes poignant, analogies from his own life and his beloved Scotland.
On a serious side, the author, on the subject of Justice, Fairness and Rights, uses the fact that he was one of twins where unfortunately the other twin died as the result of a miscarriage, as an example in developing the discussion on the subtle differences between justices and fairness. In the same chapter, and on a lighter note he uses an arguable position that "Sean Connery is better looking, more famous and taller" than the author to underpin the argument and discussion on inequalities and whether these are fair, unfair or unjust.
On reading through the book, one can only agree wholeheartedly with the author that it appears that the Report has been written and developed in a style akin to writings of well meaning, enthusiastic college "freshers", full of acquired knowledge and the need to do good, and/ or more importantly to be seen to be doing good.
I now look on everything Tony Blair and Gordon Brown say with a more insight and hopefully better informed position.
Anyone who has an interest in the development of Labour to New Labour, the present Government and it's ideologies, should read this book.