How can we define ‘freedom’ in the modern age?
John Tanburn considers this question in his philosophical-political work, A Free Country? which was originally published in May by The Book Guild to mark the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta
We believe we live in a ‘free country’: but do we? To what extent have over-legislation, bad law, the surveillance society and a declining interest in participatory democracy eroded and reduced our freedom? How should we define ‘freedom’ in the modern age?
This highly readable and thought-provoking book explores these issues and more, examining the concept of freedom in relation to human rights, privacy, equality, morality, money, religion and development. In assessing the state of our freedom today, Tanburn draws from a wide range of thinkers – from Aristotle to Zuckerberg – and cogently makes the case for a ‘modern Magna Carta’ as an essential ingredient in the maintenance of our liberty in the years to come. The book has already gained wholly positive feedback from various Cambridge professors:
‘Easy to read, lucid, persuasive, and thought provoking. Should stimulate debate’
Professor Sir John Baker, Downing Professor Emeritus of the Laws of England, University of Cambridge.
‘John Tanburn addresses some major issues for the future of liberal democracy in the UK, in a highly readable and engaging style.’
Professor Matthew Kramer, Professor of Legal and Political Philosophy and a Fellow of Churchill College in the University of Cambridge
‘An important contribution to a topic that itself is of foundational importance.’
Professor Ian White, Professor of Engineering and Master of Jesus College in the University of Cambridge
John Tanburn studied law at Cambridge and excelled in jurisprudence. As a teacher he created law departments in the sixth forms of two schools, and taught law. As neither an academic nor a lawyer, Tanburn is well placed to present freedom issues to people without legal backgrounds. He is now retired and lives near Cambridge, where he is due to appear in a series of four conversations about his book on Cambridge TV. The new station, which only aired in August, seeks to offer "intelligent television". John is available for interview and is willing to speak candidly on a number of topics, including surveillance, replacing the Human Rights Act, European human rights, freedom to human rights, social network lynch mobs and freedom of speech.
Kind regards,
Sarah Taylor
Group Marketing Manager
The Book Guild Ltd
9 Priory Business Park
Wistow Road
Kibworth
Leics LE8 0RX
E: marketing@bookguild.co.uk
T: 0800 999 2982
W: www.bookguild.co.uk
The Book Guild is an independent partnership and commercial publisher that publishes about 100 titles a year. We offer an eclectic list of titles; novels and stories to enchant both adults and children, vivid memoirs and timely books of current affairs.
Tags:
