Anarchy, State, and Utopia by Robert Nozick

Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State, and Utopia is a seminal work that challenges the widely held political and social positions of our time. Nozick argues that individuals have inalienable rights that the state must not violate, and that the state's role should be limited to protecting against force, theft, and fraud. He presents a sophisticated defense of individual rights, integrating ethics, legal philosophy, and economic theory into a profound political philosophy that will be discussed for years to come. /n/n Among the many achievements of the work are an important new theory of distributive justice, a model of utopia, and an integration of ethics, legal philosophy, and economic theory into a profound position in political philosophy which will be discussed for years to come. The book is a passionate and rigorous exploration of the limits of state power and the importance of individual freedom.

Reviews

Edge Induced Cohesion Blog · 2020-01-03

relevant 4.00

The book is praised for its clear writing and rigorous arguments. The reviewer highlights its relevance to contemporary political debates.

This reviewer really likes the book's clear writing and rigorous arguments. They think it's a valuable contribution to contemporary political debates. The reviewer appreciates how the book challenges the desire of the state to control and steer society, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read. They believe that the book's arguments are compelling and its writing is accessible, which makes it a great choice for anyone interested in political philosophy.

Quick quotes

This book does a great job at pointing out that the desire of the state to provide is often misguided and can lead to unintended consequences.

Nozick's arguments are rigorous and compelling, making the book a valuable contribution to political philosophy.

The book's clear writing makes it accessible to a wide audience, despite its complex subject matter.

Bleeding Heart Libertarians · 2012-10-02

influential 4.50

The book is regarded as one of the most influential works of political philosophy in the 20th century. The reviewer appreciates its ambitious scope and its critique of Rawls' theory of justice.

This reviewer sees the book as a cornerstone of 20th-century political philosophy. They appreciate its ambitious scope and its detailed critique of John Rawls' theory of justice. The reviewer notes that the book's arguments are rigorous and its writing is clear, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. They believe that the book's influence is due to its ability to challenge and provoke thought on fundamental political and social issues.

Quick quotes

Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State, and Utopia is widely regarded as one of the most influential books of political philosophy of the 20th century.

The book's arguments are rigorous and its writing is clear, making it accessible despite its complex subject matter.

Nozick's critique of Rawls is detailed and thought-provoking, challenging widely held beliefs about justice and the state.

Goodreads · 2000-01-01

challenging 3.80

The book is praised for its intellectual depth and the reviewer criticizes those who dismiss it based on disagreement with its conclusions. They highlight the book's ability to provoke thought and challenge widely held beliefs.

This reviewer really appreciates the intellectual rigor of the book. They think it's a shame when people dismiss it just because they don't like the conclusions. The reviewer sees it as a sign of mediocre thinking to reject a book based on its conclusions rather than engaging with its arguments. They highlight how the book challenges widely held political and social positions, making it a valuable contribution to the field of political philosophy. The reviewer believes that the book's arguments are compelling and its writing is clear, which makes it accessible despite its complex subject matter.

Quick quotes

Most of the negative reviews of this book boil down to 'I don't like his conclusions,' which is a sure sign of a mediocre thinker.

Even if one doesn't like the conclusions, the book's arguments are rigorous and compelling.

The book challenges the most widely held political and social positions of our age.

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