What does justice mean for individuals whose cognition diverges from these implicit norms? Can a theory of fairness truly be universal if it fails to account for autism, ADHD, psychopathy, and other forms of neurodiversity?
Palak Singh confronts these questions head-on by exposing the neurotypical biases embedded in liberal theories of justice and proposing a radical alternative: an atypical, neuropluralistic justice. Through a critical engagement with Rawls, Kant, Nussbaum, and feminist and disability theorists, she reveals how psychopathic instrumentalism, autistic rule-based reasoning, and other atypical cognitive profiles disrupt conventional notions of reciprocity, public reason, and moral personhood. Yet rather than dismissing these disruptions as anomalies, Singh reframes them as catalysts for reimagining justice itself.
At its core, this book advances a revised social contract—one where the 'veil of ignorance' includes cognitive variation, ensuring principles of fairness are robust across neurotypes. From education to criminal law, it charts a path towards a society where neurodivergent individuals are not merely accommodated but recognized as essential to human flourishing and as equal participants in shaping collective life, arguing for an 'Atypical Theory' for 'atypical minds.'
Timely and provocative, An Atypical Theory of Justice bridges political philosophy, cognitive science, and disability studies to offer a groundbreaking and transformative framework. It argues for a world where justice is measured not by its adherence to a neurotypical standard but by its capacity to embrace the full spectrum of human cognition.

eBook - ePub
An Atypical Theory of Justice
Reimagining Human Nature, Rationality, and Justice in Light of Neurodivergence
- 222 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
An Atypical Theory of Justice
Reimagining Human Nature, Rationality, and Justice in Light of Neurodivergence
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Table of contents
- Cover Page
- Endorsements Page
- Half-Title Page
- Series Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication Page
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Preface
- 1 Conceptions of Human Nature in Western Political Philosophy: An Overview
- 2 Neurodiversity and Psychopathy: The Need for Inclusion in Moral Political Framework
- 3 Moral Political Philosophy: Exploring Spaces for Inclusion of Neurodiversity and Psychopathy
- 4 Implication for Moral Political Philosophy and Normative Political Constructs: An Atypical Theory of Justice?
- 5 Conclusion: Towards Inclusive Political Frameworks
- Index
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Yes, you can access An Atypical Theory of Justice by Palak Singh in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Politics & International Relations & Ethics & Moral Philosophy. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.