Rethinking John Rawls and Justice (LSE Public Event)

Rethinking John Rawls and Justice (LSE Public Event)

By LSE Hayek Program

What's the relevance of philosopher John Rawls' thinking on contemporary justice?

Date and time

Location

Hong Kong Theatre, London School of Economics

99 Aldwych London WC2B 4BG United Kingdom

Good to know

Highlights

  • 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • In person

About this event

*This event, was previously scheduled in March 2025, but was postponed due to travel disruption. It is now re-scheduled to this new date of 25th November 2025.

What does justice require in practice, not just in theory? Join us at the London School of Economics for a lecture by Prof. Christopher Freiman, author of Unequivocal Justice, as he offers a rethinking of dominant political philosophies and challenges conventional views on liberal egalitarianism and free-market regimes. Freiman’s work highlights the importance of non-ideal theory, focusing on the practical application of political principles in the complexities of the real world, rather than abstract ideals.

Through a careful examination of principles like political liberty, economic sufficiency, fair opportunity, and social equality, he questions whether top-down solutions are always the best way to address injustice. Drawing on insights from public choice theory and political psychology, Freiman suggests that a more modest role for the state might better align with the goals of liberal egalitarianism by minimizing the risks of political capture and inefficiency.

This lecture provides a fresh perspective on achieving justice in an imperfect world, offering a constructive critique of traditional approaches while engaging with the shared goal of advancing fairness and equality. It will appeal to anyone interested in the practical implications of political theory, the challenges of governance, and the pursuit of social justice in modern society.

Details:

Hong Kong Theatre, London School of Economics

6.30-8pm

About the speaker

Christopher Freiman currently is a Professor of General Business at West Virginia University. He was previously an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the College of William & Mary. He is a graduate of Duke University (B.A. in Philosophy) and the University of Arizona (M.A., Ph.D. in Philosophy). He is the author of Unequivocal Justice and Why It’s OK to Ignore Politics as well as numerous articles and book chapters. Dr Freiman's research interests include democratic theory, distributive justice, and immigration.

*Entry for this event is on a first come first served basis on the day of the event.

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LSE Hayek Program

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Free
Nov 25 · 6:30 PM GMT