Ronald Dworkin
Ronald Dworkin was an American philosopher, jurist, and scholar of United States constitutional law. He was a professor of Law at New York University and University of Oxford. His work is associated with the philosophy of law and political philosophy. Dworkin advocated for a 'moral reading' of the United States Constitution, and his theory of law as integrity has been influential. He wrote numerous articles and books on law and political philosophy, including 'Law's Empire' and 'Taking Rights Seriously'.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Taking Rights Seriously
The book is a seminal work in legal philosophy that argues for a rights-based theory of law, challenging the prevalent utilitarian approach that prioritizes the greatest good for the greatest number. The author insists that individual rights should be treated as absolute trumps against the state's utilitarian calculations, advocating for a moral reading of the constitution where rights are grounded in justice rather than legislative majority. Through a series of essays, the work explores the role of moral principles in legal decision-making, the concept of judicial discretion, and the proper interpretation of the law, ultimately emphasizing that rights are fundamental to the American legal system and should be taken seriously by judges, lawmakers, and citizens alike.
The 3436th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Justice For Hedgehogs
"Justice for Hedgehogs" is a philosophical treatise that explores the relationship between ethics, morality, and law, arguing for a unified theory of value. The author contends that living well and acting morally are inseparable from understanding and upholding truth and justice, encapsulated in the assertion that "the only ethical truth is that all values are interconnected." This work challenges the prevalent view of legal positivism and moral relativism, advocating instead for a coherent system where values like dignity, responsibility, and respect are interdependent, ultimately supporting the idea that living a good and meaningful life involves recognizing and acting upon these intrinsic connections.
The 8395th Greatest Book of All Time
