Epstein on His Own Grounds

This Article criticizes Richard Epstein's 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's 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's 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.