Neoliberal Social Justice? Reconciling John Rawls and Adam Smith

Neoliberal Social Justice? Reconciling John Rawls and Adam Smith

What, if any, are the similarities between Adam Smith and John Rawls? Can neoliberalism be compatible with social justice?

By LSE Hayek Program

Date and time

Tuesday, May 13 · 6:30 - 8pm GMT+1

Location

Old Theatre

Old Building London School of Economics London WC2A 2AE United Kingdom

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

This event will explore the relationship between Rawlsian liberal egalitarianism and neoliberalism, based on Dr Nick Cowen's book “Neoliberal Social Justice” published by Edward Elgar. This timely and provocative book challenges the conventional wisdom that neoliberal capitalism is incompatible with social justice.


Nick tackles the crucial intersection of economic liberty and moral philosophy, highlighting the perspectives of John Rawls and Adam Smith. He confronts the ongoing debate between classical and egalitarian liberalism, showing how commerce does more than create consumer goods but also shapes society’s moral character, often in a positive direction.


Learn how market economies can be a driving force for social equality and about the case for recognizing basic economic liberties as fundamental rights. This lecture is significant for anyone passionate about political theory, economics, and social justice, as Nick illuminates the indispensable role of economic activity in developing moral powers.

About the speaker

Nick Cowen is an Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Lincoln where he teaches Key Social Science Concepts, Human Rights, Social Issues and Social Justice, Images of Crime and Applying Research. He is the author of Neoliberal Social Justice (Edward Elgar, 2021). His research explores the contributions of commercial society towards social inclusion and crime prevention.

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LSE Hayek Program

The LSE Hayek Program is an academic initiative housed at STICERD, London School of Economics. It aims to explore, directly or indirectly, the intellectual contributions of liberal political economist F.A. Hayek. These include individualism and economic freedom, the nature and future of liberal democracy, social justice and welfare, decision-making under radical uncertainty, macroeconomic management, the rule of law and justice, and many other topics.

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