Abstract

In his presentation of Michael Walzer's method Gianfrancesco Zanetti begins from the personal memory of reading "Exodus and Revolution" to describe this method not only as destructive but also as a positive effort. The "rootedness" of the philosopher's interpretative approach takes him neither to relativistic or conservative solutions nor to a universalism of a «covering law». His moral realism describes a concrete approach to the problems to elaborate workable solutions. Walzer's attention to pluralism and to the connections between religion and politics allows him to discuss every form of one-sidedness, dogmatism and mainstream thinking. Drawing the line, the boundaries become therefore of crucial importance to realize a more just society, even at the cost of having dirty hands.