Sharing without Reckoning: Imperfect Right and the Norms of Reciprocity

David M. Kelly is a teaching assistant at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

In attempting to discuss the doctrine of imperfect rights and duties,
Schumaker has taken upon himself a considerable task. By his own
admission, the doctrine is an extremely difficult one to
discuss—“neglected, confused, and allegedly long-discredited”—to
say nothing of it being highly “obscure.” However, in discussing
imperfect rights and duties from philosophical, moral, social, and
legislative positions, Schumaker progresses logically and is
refreshingly honest—he knows full well there are no readily available
answers. His re-examination of Immanuel Kant is most impressive.

Unfortunately, owing to the vast complexity of this difficult topic,
Schumaker’s language is tremendously complicated and painfully
technical. Though by no means dry, and upon occasion even humorous, the
book should be reserved for the professional philosopher/moral
theologian, as it is quite frankly beyond the capacity of the average
undergraduate or well-informed layperson. (Even so, legislators may
benefit from the chapter “No Mean Morality,” in which Schumaker
applies his attention to the more practical aspects of social justice
and law.) It is, at the very least, an excellent re-evaluation of an
ancient concept.