Liberty vs. Equality: In Defense of Privileged White Males

Abstract

In this book review, Professor Dowd reviews Forbidden Grounds: The Case Against Employment Discrimination Laws, by Richard A. Epstein (1992). First, Professor Dowd sets forth the thesis and arguments of Epstein’s book and explores her general criticisms in more detail. Next, she explores Epstein’s core argument pitting liberty against equality from two perspectives: that of the privileged white male and that of minorities and women. Finally, Professor Dowd argues that Epstein’s position cannot be viewed as an argument that most minorities or women would make, as it fails to take account of their stories.

Keywords: Equality, justice, liberty, discrimination, employment discrimination law, rational discrimination, race discrimination, sex discrimination, women, minorities, antidiscrimination, libertarianism, civil rights, affirmative action