Epstein on His Own Grounds

Forbidden Grounds fails to follow through on its own terms. Epstein invokes Thomas Hobbes but never considers the Hobbesian argument for Title VII; employs economic analysis without disclosing its dependence on controversial empirical assumptions; and makes empirical claims, particularly about social norms, without applying the standards of criticism to supporting evidence that he applies to contrary evidence

Epstein on His Own Grounds

This Article criticizes Richard Epstein\u27s thesis in his book Forbidden Grounds: The Case against Employment Discrimination. The Article argues that Epstein fails to follow through on his own terms. The author expresses disagreement with Epstein\u27s invocation of Thomas Hobbes without considering the Hobbesian argument for Title VII. Mr. McAdams also notes that Epstein relies on economic analysis without disclosing its dependence on controversial empirical assumptions. The author uncovers Epstein\u27s other inconsistencies: his empirical claims, particularly about social norms, where Epstein does not apply the standards of criticism to supporting evidence that he applies to contrary evidence