7 Books for Justice in Theory and Practice
On becoming a global citizen
History can help us learn from the mistakes of the past and better understand the present.
Learning about how different thinkers consider the comprehensive history of justice can be another lens to examine the important relationship between design, people and ethics.
1. Exit, Voice, and Loyalty: Responses to Decline in Firms, Organizations, and States (Albert Hirschman)
When organizations don’t work as expected, how do we respond? A relevant overview of the ways individuals can influence change.
2. On Toleration (Michael Walzer)
An informative overview on how societies can peacefully coexist in a multicultural world, by reflecting on the history of five societal models.
3. The Theory of Moral Sentiments (Adam Smith)
A lasting perspective on the connection between human behavior and moral philosophy, best known for his treatise The Wealth of Nations.
4. Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? (Martin Luther King Jr.)
An honest reflection on the civil rights movement after years of being on the forefront and the next steps for lasting change.
5. Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making (Deborah Stone)
An introduction on how policy decisions are made and the factors that make molding such complex decisions in the real world.
6. A Theory of Justice (John Rawls)
This classic covers the foundational theory of justice as fairness and guiding ideals for making sure social and economic positions are to everyone’s advantage and open to all.
7. The Idea of Justice (Amartya Sen)
A perspective on how a society needs more than just institutions and law abiding citizens but also open public discussion, in response to Rawls.
We are but one of the multitude, in no respect better than any other in it.
— Adam Smith
