Truth, Interpretation, and the Point of Moral Philosophy

About Ronald M. Dworkin

Ronald Dworkin is one of the most influential figures in Anglo-American legal theory. His early work centered on issues of legal reasoning, and his recent work focuses on the moral reading of the American Constitution, freedom of speech, and issues of equality. In his discussion of societal equality, Dworkin argues that a legitimate government must treat all its citizens as equals, emphasizing the fundamental need for equality of resources. He has developed this thesis with reference to many current concerns, including the distribution of health care, affirmative action, campaign finance reform, and genetic engineering. A prolific writer, Dworkin has published numerous books and scholarly articles. Several of his more recent writings include: A Matter of Principle (1985), Life’s Dominion (1993), and Freedom’s Law (1996). His best known book, Law’s Empire (1986), received the prestigious Coif Award from the American Bar Association and the Ames Prize from the Harvard Law School. Dworkin received B.A. degrees from Harvard College in 1953 and from Oxford University in 1955, and an LL.B. from Harvard Law School in 1957. He was a Professor of Law at Yale University Law School from 1962 to 1969, and served as a Professor of Jurisprudence at Oxford. He was a Fellow of University College, Oxford, from 1969 until 1998. At present, Dworkin has a joint appointment at New York University and at University College London. He is the Frank H.Sommer Professor of Law and Philosophy at New York University, and Quain Professor of Jurisprudence at University College London. Dworkin is a Fellow of the British Academy, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.