Pragmatist Egalitarianism argues that a deep impasse plagues philosophical egalitarianism. It sets forth a conception of equality rooted in American pragmatist thought--specifically William James, John Dewey, and Richard Rorty--that successfully mediates that impasse.

Preface Introduction: Egalitarianism and Pragmatism Part I. 1. Two Concepts of Equality 2. Vertical Egalitarianism 3. Horizontal Egalitarianism 4. Breaking the Impasse Part II. 5. Toward a Pragmatist Egalitarianism 6. Institutions as Instruments: John Dewey's Democratic Egalitarianism 7. The Individualist Egalitarianism of William James 8. Richard Rorty on Equality and Cultural Politics Conclusion: Flexible as Mother Nature

"Rondel's book is a welcome addition to the debates about egalitarinism raging both within academic philosophy and the wider society." -- Alan Reynolds, Coastal Carolina University, The Pluralist "Rondel's book offers some interesting new insights on the nature of the ideal of equality. His reconciliatory aim regarding distributive and relational views is laudable, and he offers some good arguments in its favor... his book is helpful reading for philosophers interested in the recent debate about whether the ideal of equality is distributive or relational in nature - or indeed both as Rondel argues." -- Kasper Lippert-Rasmussen, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews "Rondel's book is a model of clarity and philosophical discussion, deeply informed by the relevant literature, and illuminating on a host of topics. ... [Rondel] has produced a nuanced framework in which to think clearly about how to achieve an egalitarian society. Highly recommended." -- W. M. Curtis, CHOICE "In this remarkable new study, David Rondel breathes new life into pragmatist political thinking by proposing a pragmatist egalitarianism that can take a place within the broader arena of current political philosophy. Although Rondel has not settled the matter of what pragmatists should think about justice, he has made a compelling case for a distinctively pragmatist egalitarianism, and, more importantly, opened a fresh debate among pragmatist philosophers."--Robert B. Talisse, W. Alton Jones Professor of Philosophy, Vanderbilt University "Rondel has engaged deeply with the imposing literature on the political philosophy of egalitarianism. A really interesting, engagingly written, and thoughtful book."--"An original contribution to political philosophy...puts pragmatist philosophy to work in new ways."--Matthew Festenstein, Professor of Political Theory, University of York, and Director of the Research Centre for Social Sciences "An original contribution to political philosophy...puts pragmatist philosophy to work in new ways."--Russell Goodman, Emeritus Regents' Professor of Philosophy, The University of New Mexico

Selling point: Drawing from an impressive range of scholarship, it provides a novel account of pragmatist egalitarianism and current egalitarian theory Selling point: Offers original readings of major pragmatist thinkers, including John Dewey, William James and Richard Rorty Selling point: Recasts egalitarian thought for contemporary audiences

David Rondel is Assistant Professor in the department of philosophy at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research specializations include legal and political philosophy and American pragmatism. He has published widely in these areas. Most recently, he is the co-editor of Pragmatism and Justice (Oxford University Press, 2017).

Selling point: Drawing from an impressive range of scholarship, it provides a novel account of pragmatist egalitarianism and current egalitarian theory Selling point: Offers original readings of major pragmatist thinkers, including John Dewey, William James and Richard Rorty Selling point: Recasts egalitarian thought for contemporary audiences