Launch of the Centre for the Study of Social Justice

Confirmed speakers for the day include some of the most eminent names in the field such as Professor G A Cohen (Oxford) who will be speaking on Rescuing Justice from Constructivism, Professor David Miller (Oxford) on Justice and Boundaries, Dr Philippe Van Parijs (Universit Catholique de Louvain and Harvard University) on `Global Justice. Does it make any sense? What does it imply?`, Dr Adam Swift (Oxford) on Family Values and Egalitarian Liberalism: Social Justice and Relationship Goods, Dr Stuart White (Oxford) on What is freedom of religion? and Professor Jonathan Wolff (University College London) on Understanding Disadvantage. The conference was heavily over-subscribed but has now reopened to bookings due to a number of withdrawals. The remaining 12 places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to those contacting the Centre Administrator, Esther Byrom. The event will be attended by academic staff and graduate students from both UK and international institutions as well as public figures such as Baroness Onora ONeill and Edward Miliband MP. The conference will be followed by a drinks reception hosted by the Universitys Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Hood.

Centre Director Adam Swift said: Oxfords strength in political theory is recognised by academics throughout the world. Our new research Centre for the Study of Social Justice will provide a focal point for our various research projects, and I am particularly keen to see us bridge the gap between theory and practice. We will continue to do cutting-edge philosophical work about fundamental principles of social justice, but I hope that the Centre will also engage in dialogue with politicians and policy-makers, providing a forum for serious intellectual debate about social justice and how best to achieve it in the real world. Members of the Centre work on a wide range of issues including the place of the family in theories of social justice, international justice and the extent of responsibilities across national boundaries, and the justification of redistributive taxation.

For more information about the Centre, please visit the Centre website.