The Problematics Of Moral And Legal Theory [Paperback]

Ambitious legal thinkers have become mesmerized by moral philosophy, believing that great figures in the philosophical tradition hold the keys to understanding and improving law and justice and even to resolving the most contentious issues of constitutional law. They are wrong, contendsRichard Posnerin this book. Posner characterizes the current preoccupation with moral and constitutional theory as the latest form of legal mystificationan evasion of the real need of American law, which is for a greater understanding of the social, economic, and political facts out of which great legal controversies arise. In pursuit of that understanding, Posner advocates a rebuilding of the law on the pragmatic basis of open-minded and systematic empirical inquiry and the rejection of cant and nostalgiathe true professionalism foreseen by Oliver Wendell Holmes a century ago.A bracing book that pulls no punches and leaves no pieties unpunctured or sacred cows unkicked,The Problematics of Moral and Legal Theoryoffers a sweeping tour of the current scene in legal studiesand a hopeful prospect for its future.Posner believes that most moral understanding is acquired in childhood and largely controlled by parental example, peer pressure, and religion. Once acquired, moral beliefs and commitments can only be changed through appeals to self-interest and emotional appeals that bypass our rational calculating faculty ...As usual with Posner, the writing is clear, the footnotes abundant and highly informative, and the index excellent. Highest recommendation for all collections.[This book] should fit the bill for those who might have been curious about what Posner has to say about jurisprudence and the law but were put off by the rather longer books. [It] also fits the bill for scholars, good upper level undergraduates, and graduates students who will benefit from reading an entirely readable book that will provoke them to skirmish with the author over the issues of legal pralÍ