Two concepts of liberalism

Article Abstract:

Diversity should take precedence over autonomy as a core value of the liberal state. Autonomy and diversity form the basis for two conflicting conceptions of liberalism. Both are based on historical developments, with autonomy arising out of the Enlightenment Project of individual freedom from authority based on reason, while diversity comes from the Reformation Project of finding a political accommodation for religious differences. However, autonomy should be regarded as a matter of individual choice, while diversity should be encouraged as long as a core group of shared liberal purposes are maintained.

Rawls, John

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Introduction

Article Abstract:

Liberal democracies have recently faced problems in coping with diversity, which seems to threaten the stability and common purpose of liberal societies. The problem has given rise to questions concerning the nature of citizenship and civic education in a liberal democracy. Major themes include the distinction between comprehensive and political liberalism introduced by John Rawls and the concept of diversity as a goal rather than a problem for liberalism. A relatively neglected area concerns the conflict between liberalism's universal principles and the local nature of citizenship.

Democracy, Citizenship

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Civic education and social diversity

Article Abstract:

Political liberalism does not necessarily allow for more accommodation of social diversity than comprehensive liberalism, as some theorists have suggested. Political liberalism limits its scope to political principles, whereas comprehensive liberalism provides a fuller moral account of the good life, based on values such as individualism and autonomy. However, the substantive requirements of civic education for good citizenship place constraints on the accommodation of social diversity that result in a high degree of convergence between political and comprehensive liberalism.

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