Normativity and Norms Critical Perspectives on Kelsenian Themes

RTo many, Kelsen's influence in legal philosophy and legal theory is unrivalledin the twentieth century. His writings have made important contributions to manyareas, especially those of legal theory and international law. H.L.A. Hartdescribes Kelsen as 'the most stimulating writer on analytical jurisprudence ofour day', and Georg Henrik von Wright compares Kelsen's influence with that ofMax Weber.In spite of being so highly regarded, some of the best critical work on Kelsen'stheory has not been available in English. This remarkable collection of essaysseeks to rectify that omission. Not only does this collection containtranslations of three of Kelsen's own papers, it also brings together some ofthe most notable critical work on Kelsen's theory previously unpublished inEnglish, making Kelsen even more accessible to a larger audience.This collection covers those areas in which Kelsen's influence has been thegreatest -- the character and role of 'normativity' as Kelsen's alternative toboth traditional legal positivism and natural law theory. Topics include:competing philosophical positions on the nature of law, legal validity, legalpowers, and the unity of municipal and intellectual law. In addition, thiscollection sheds light on Kelsen's intellectual milieu and his intellectualdebts.

Stanley L. Paulson is Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy, Washington University St. Louis. He is considered to be one of the leading authorities on Kelsen, and in conjunction with his wife translated into English the first edition of Kelsen's Pure Theory of Law , which has received wide acclaim.