Lachs, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Andrew Fiala
California State University, Fresno
ABSTACT
This paper examines some themes in the social and political theory of John Lachs. Lachs
shares much with Thomas Jefferson, with the important exception of not grounding
human rights claims in divine command. This helps explain why it is difficult for Lachs
to develop a revolutionary political agenda. The paper examines some objections to this
melioristic and pluralistic approach, noting that critiques of Lachs often come from the
desire for a more radical social and political theory. Lachs avoids radical theory,
however, while acknowledging the goods of progress. His approach is educational,
conciliatory, and self-consciously deflationary. His philosophy arises in the middle of
things and admits the diversity of human natures. He is opposed to utopian schemes,
revolutionary violence, and dogmatic absolutizing. He encourages us to celebrate what is
of value, while working incrementally to improve the world.