The Realist Turn

Douglas B. Rasmussen and Douglas J. Den Uyl maintain that a realist turn—namely, one in which the natural order is the basis for individual rights—is needed to bring about a proper understanding and defense of liberty. They argue that the critical character of individual rights results from their being tethered to metaphysical realism. After reprising their explanation and defense of natural rights, Rasmussen and Den Uyl explain metaphysical realism and defend it against neo-pragmatist objections.  They show it to be a formidable and preferable alternative to epistemic constructivism and crucial for a suitable understanding of ideal theory.

“Rasmussen and Den Uyl’s carefully worked out views deserve a wide audience.” (David Gordon, The Philosophical Quarterly, December 2, 2020)

“For Modern thought, reality is well lost. The Realist Turn not only discusses the presuppositions of antirealism and shows its theoretical weaknesses, but it also defends realism with rigor, clarity, and accuracy. What is peculiarly enlightening is the relation introduced between three areas—metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy—on this question of realism. A convincing book on a crucial topic!” 
—Roger Pouivet, Professor of Philosophy, Université de Lorraine, Senior Member of the Institut Universitaire de France (Paris), and author of After Wittgenstein, St. Thomas (2008)

“This book is an elegant and significant analysis and defense of a form of Aristotelian realism.  Arguing for a middle ground between Platonism on the one hand and constructivism on the other, the authors use Putnam’s realism and criticism as a foil.  Steeped in Aristotelian metaphysics, the authors, in this in-depth analysis, utilize contemporary analytic philosophy in a masterful way.”
—Anthony J. Lisska, Maria Theresa Barney Professor of Philosophy, Denison University, USA

“Rasmussen and Den Uyl’s great theme is the importance of fundamental philosophy to getting political theory right. This capstone volume, building on their decades-long collaboration, makes an integrated case for a realist-based liberalism, fruitfully contrasting their position to the major contemporary liberal and libertarian alternatives, as well as their communitarian, impersonalist, and paternalist rivals.”
—Stephen R. C. Hicks, Professor of Philosophy, Rockford University, USA

"Rasmussen and Den Uyl build on their neo-Aristotelian defense of individual rights by explaining and critiquing challenges to the metaphysical realism that grounds their theory. This book is a must-have for anyone working at the intersection of ethics, epistemology, and political philosophy."
—Carrie-Ann Biondi, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Marymount Manhattan College, USA 

“Rasmussen and Den Uyl provide a brilliant account of why and how metaphysical realism is necessary for basic, negative, and natural rights to life, liberty, and property. The Realist Turn is essential reading for anyone interested in natural rights, philosophical realism, and the fate of liberty in the modern age.” 
—Khalil Habib, Associate Professor of Politics, Hillsdale College, USA

“In The Realist Turn: Repositioning Liberalism, the authors persuasively, winsomely, and convincingly encourage classical liberals and libertarians to reexamine the case for an individual’s natural right to liberty in the context of metaphysical realism.”
—Victor V. Claar, Associate Professor of Economics, Florida Gulf Coast University, USA

Douglas B. Rasmussen is Professor of Philosophy at St. John’s University, NYC, USA.

Douglas J. Den Uyl is Vice-President of Educational Programs at Liberty Fund, Indianapolis, USA.