Robert Nozick

This is an introductory volume to Robert Nozick, one of the dominant philosophical thinkers of the current age. It is part of a new series, Contemporary Philosophy in Focus. Each volume in the series will consist of newly commissioned essays that will cover all the major contributions of a preeminent philosopher in a systematic and accessible manner. Robert Nozick is one of the most creative and individual philosophical voices of the last 25 years. His most famous book, Anarchy, State and Utopia (1974), presents the classic defense of the libertarian view that only a minimal state is just. Nozick has also made significant contributions in later publications to such areas as rational choice theory, ethics, epistemology and philosophy of mind. Outside philosophy the book will be of particular interest to professionals and students in political science, law, economics, sociology and psychology.

• First in new series of companions to major contemporary philosophers • ‘High-octane’ caliber of contributors • Companion-like in being accessible and systematic • Unlike companions these volumes will offer critiques as well as explanations of the philosophy

1. Introductions David Schmidtz; 2. The justification of political authority David Miller; 3. Projects and property John T. Sanders; 4. Nozick’s libertarian utopia Loren Lomasky; 5. Goals, symbols, principles: Nozick on practical rationality Gerald Gaus; 6. Non-consequentialism and political philosophy Philip Pettit; 7. Nozick on knowledge and skepticism Michael Williams; 8. Nozick on free will Michael Bratman; 9. How to make something of yourself Elijah Millgram; 10. The meanings of life David Schmidtz.