Legal Right and Social Democracy

Abstract

‘Social democracy’ has come to be regarded by most English-speaking people as a philosophy of the moderate left, or even the centre, of the political spectrum. It may be taken as an alternative to, rather than a form of ‘socialism’. This chapter tries to make it clear what versions of ‘social justice’ and ‘fairness’ the chapter is commending. In particular, the chapter argues that its version of social democracy is, contrary to the view of F. A. Hayek, fully compatible with respect for legal right and the rule of law. This chapter contends, contrary to the views of some Marxist socialists, that respect for legal right and the rule of law is a vital condition of social justice.

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