Justice For Hedgehogs by Ronald Dworkin
- 1. In 'Justice for Hedgehogs', renowned legal philosopher Ronald Dworkin presents a profound examination of the interconnection between law, morality, and politics, advocating for the inherent dignity of individuals and the importance of justice in societal structures. Dworkin uses the metaphor of the hedgehog, which knows one big thing, to argue for a unified moral theory that emphasizes the significance of individual rights and the role of principles over mere rules. He critiques the traditional legal positivism which separates law from morality, positing instead that legal interpretation must be guided by moral principles that uphold justice. Throughout the book, Dworkin explores complex themes such as the nature of rights, the relevance of ethical considerations in legal discourse, and the idea of a collective morality that transcends partisan divides. His insightful reflections challenge readers to consider not only what the law is, but what it should aspire to be in reflecting the ethical values of a just society, positioning his arguments within a broader dialogue about integrity, equality, and the responsibilities of both individuals and institutions in pursuing justice.
What is the central thesis of Dworkin's 'Justice for Hedgehogs'?
A) Legal positivism provides the best moral framework
B) Justice requires separate treatment for different species
C) Moral relativism is the only coherent position
D) Moral values are unified and objective
- 2. What does Dworkin mean by 'interpretive concepts'?
A) Concepts with fixed dictionary definitions
B) Concepts that require constructive interpretation
C) Scientific empirical concepts
D) Mathematical or logical concepts
- 3. How does Dworkin view the relationship between law and morality?
A) Law and morality are completely separate
B) Law is a branch of political morality
C) Morality is irrelevant to legal interpretation
D) Law should always override moral considerations
- 4. What role does 'dignity' play in Dworkin's theory?
A) It applies only to human rights law
B) It is a secondary consideration
C) It is irrelevant to moral philosophy
D) It is the fundamental ethical value
- 5. What is Dworkin's view of value pluralism?
A) He rejects it in favor of value unity
B) He believes it supports moral relativism
C) He considers it the only viable position
D) He thinks it applies only to aesthetics
- 6. What methodological approach does Dworkin employ?
A) Historical analysis only
B) Pure logical deduction
C) Constructive interpretation
D) Empirical verification
- 7. What does Dworkin mean by 'living in good faith'?
A) Obeying all laws without question
B) Following religious doctrines strictly
C) Taking responsibility for one's values and actions
D) Pursuing only personal happiness
- 8. How does Dworkin characterize moral disagreements?
A) As proof that morality is subjective
B) As substantive disagreements about objective truth
C) As merely verbal misunderstandings
D) As irrelevant to moral philosophy
- 9. How does Dworkin approach the concept of human rights?
A) As legal fictions created by courts
B) As social constructions with no objective basis
C) As fundamental requirements of dignity
D) As religious concepts without secular meaning
|