Liberalism without Illusions

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Before her untimely death in 1992, Judith Shklar was recognized as a leading political theorist, significantly revitalizing liberal theory. She examined a complex world where every vice carries political consequences and every virtue has unavoidable costs. Her realistic approach added psychological depth and pragmatism to liberal political thought. This collection of essays features sixteen distinguished political theorists who delve into Shklar's intellectual legacy, addressing her ideas and the issues that fascinated her. The first section presents varied assessments of her conception of liberal politics. The second section explores the interplay between individual freedom and moral psychology in modern political thought through essays on figures like Descartes, Hobbes, and Rousseau. The third section discusses contemporary issues, including hypocrisy, offensive speech, and the role of constitutional courts in liberal democracies. The volume concludes with an autobiographical essay by Shklar, offering insight into her unique voice and personality. Contributors include notable scholars such as Bruce Ackerman, Seyla Benhabib, and Michael Walzer, among others, providing a comprehensive examination of Shklar's impact on political theory.