Reflective Equilibrium as a Process

This chapter deals with method and hence informs what occurs in the remaining six chapters. Specifically, it deals with the processual method of reflective equilibrium (or Aristotelian dialectic). This method is wider than and includes Rawls's more famous methodological device of deliberating about justice in an original position behind a veil of ignorance. The idea that Rawls's method is static is thoroughly discredited.

Organic Marxism and Process Liberalism

Chapter Abstract: In this chapter the organic Marxism of Philip Clayton and Justin Heinzekehr is examined. The alleged close connection between process thought and Marxism is critiqued. The historical tendency of process thinkers (including Whitehead and Hartshorne) to be political liberals is defended; further, the implicit processuality of political liberalism is made explicit.

Heidegger, Political Philosophy and Disequilibrium

Chapter Abstract: In this chapter Martin Heidegger's right wing, indeed fascist, political philosophy is examined. His view deviates significantly from reflective equilibrium. Thankfully, process thinkers have not been persuaded by Heidegger's version of anti-democracy, although recent alt-right thinkers have indeed found (Nietzsche's and) Heidegger's views attractive.

Gamwell on ‘The Comprehensive Question’: A Rawlsian Critique

Chapter Abstract: This chapter examines a notable challenge to Rawlsian political liberalism from a thinker who is very well versed in process thought: Franklin Gamwell. The relationship between metaphysics and political philosophy is analyzed in a way that is conducive to the justification and flourishing of politically liberal institutions. Liberal separation of metaphysics and politics is defended, albeit as qualified by the concept of the translation proviso.

From Non-human Animals to the Environment

Chapter Abstract: In this chapter a politically liberal defence of both nonhuman animal rights and environmental ethics is offered so as to challenge right-wing and Marxist versions of environmentalism. Anthropocentrism is criticized. Despite violence against both humans and nonhuman animals and the environment, there are grounds for optimism regarding the processual effort to asymptotically approach a realistic utopia that is just.

Political Liberalism and Process Thought

Chapter Abstract: This chapter continues the effort to bring together the twin concepts of 'political liberalism' and 'process thought' by tracing the origin and history of political liberalism and by detailing the politically liberal views of Whitehead and Hartshorne. The emphasis is on the ongoing character of both political liberalism and the method by which politically liberal principles are justified.

Religion, Solitude-in-Solidarity and Snyder’s Bloodlands

Chapter Abstract: In this chapter the thought of the historian Timothy Snyder is examined, specifically his magisterial work titled Bloodlands. The point is to alert (or remind) readers to the disastrous consequences of illiberal political philosophies of both the right and left. These illiberal tendencies lead us away from reflective equilibrium and hence should be criticized. Alfred North Whitehead's concept of solitariness and Czeslaw Milosz's concept of solidarity will also be examined.