Steven R. Smith - Equality and Diversity. Value Incommensurability and the Politics of Recognition [2011][A]

Book Description
This important book explores the values of equality and diversity as promoted across liberal societies, drawing on various traditions of political and social philosophy, including liberal egalitarianism, existentialism, and elements of post-modernism and post-structuralism. These philosophies are applied to policy and practice debates, especially concerning disability issues, but also relating to gender and multiculturalism. It will be of interest to academics and postgraduate students across a range of social studies disciplines.

Reviews
"You don't need to AGREE that liberal egalitarianism can be rescued from identity politics" by reconciling elements of "analytic" and "continental" philosophy to find Smith's argument fruitful and thought-provoking." --Bob Breacher, University of Brighton

"This book is essential reading for those of us engaged in thinking about how to achieve inclusive and political communities based on equal respect and solidarity, while at the same time acknowledging the plurality and incommensurability of the values that members of those communities hold as central to their vision of the good life." --Phillip Cole, University of Wales, Newport

About the Author
Steven R. Smith is Professor of Political Philosophy and Social Policy at Newport University, and founding-member of Newport's Social Ethics Research Group (SERG). He has published in numerous journals, contributed to key texts, has maintained various editorial roles for journals and books, and is author of two other research monographs. His main interests are the philosophy of disability, egalitarianism and practice, and the philosophy and politics of diversity and recognition.