Dooley Examines Changing Views of Justice in New Book

Kevin Dooley, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Political Science, has recently published "The Great Transformation: How Modern Thinkers Reimagined the Classical View of Justice," (Anthem Press, 2026).

In the book, Dooley explores how modern thinkers have redefined key concepts of justice, such as nature, freedom, and virtue, and how this has influenced the way states determine right and wrong.

"For the last 15 years I have had the pleasure of teaching courses in early and modern political thought in the Department of Political Science. This book is therefore the result of countless discussions with students on the differences between how ancient and modern thinkers understand justice. I couldn't have done this without my students and faculty colleagues," Dooley said.

The book offers political science students and other readers an opportunity to examine these changing ideas, reconsider traditional understandings of human nature and its relationship to justice, and how both inform their own views.

"For over two decades, Dr. Dooley has taught ancient and modern political theory courses for our department, and our former students regularly tell us how much they enjoyed them. It is fantastic to see his latest book on the topic political theory and teaching extend beyond the classroom and provide political science students a resource to reflect on and develop their own perspectives of justice," said Ken Mitchell, Ph.D., director of the Department of Political Science.