Eight Lessons on Ethics and Law – Carlos Nino

Argentina in 1983 marked the beginning of a crucial historical moment: the expectations raised by the restoration of democracy were accompanied by the need to rebuild institutions, legitimize the exercise of power, and revitalize political discourse. Carlos Nino, one of Argentina’s most renowned legal scholars, believed his best contribution to this era was to offer ideas for resolving the country's urgent problems. For him, law and political philosophy were tools for social transformation. This book stands out as unique within his body of work, as it is based on lectures he delivered at the now-legendary Argentine Society for Philosophical Analysis—part of the so-called "catacomb university," where critical rigor and the exchange of ideas sought to counter the darkness of the dictatorship years. *Eight Lessons on Ethics and Law* holds the dual merit of popularizing the ideas of a scholar who engaged deeply with the great legal and philosophical traditions, while also demonstrating—through its tone and range of topics—his commitment to the dilemmas democracy faced then and continues to face today. Throughout these lessons, Nino explains, for instance, that there is an alternative to ethical relativism and skepticism: a social morality focused on the peaceful resolution of disputes. He also argues—from his egalitarian perspective—that rights can be violated not only by actions but also by omissions; that legal norms must be grounded in moral rather than exclusively legal principles; and that absolute equality between the sexes must be championed. These original, accessible texts serve as an excellent introduction to the rich, complex thought of a man who—for the generations currently reflecting on justice and politics—was undoubtedly a guiding figure in public ethics and the staunch defense of human rights.