Pluralism and liberal politics
In this book, Robert Talisse critically examines the moral and political implications of pluralism, the view that our best moral thinking is indeterminate and that moral conflict is an inescapable feature of the human condition. Through a careful engagement with the work of William James, Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, and their contemporary followers, Talisse distinguishes two broad types of moral pluralism: metaphysical and epistemic. After arguing that metaphysical pluralism does not offer a compelling account of value and thus cannot ground a viable conception of liberal politics, Talisse proposes and defends a distinctive variety of epistemic pluralism. According to this view, certain value conflicts are at present undecidable rather than intrinsic. Consequently, epistemic pluralism countenances the possibility that further argumentation, enhanced reflection, or the acquisition of more information could yield rational resolutions to the kinds of value conflicts that metaphysical pluralists deem irresolvable as such. Talisse's epistemic pluralism hence prescribes a politics in which deep value conflicts are to be addressed by ongoing argumentation and free engagement among citizens; the epistemic pluralist thus sees liberal democracy is the proper political response to ongoing moral disagreement
xvii, 177 pages ; 24 cm.
9780415884211, 9780203803721, 0415884217, 0203803728
606777122
Introduction: pluralism and political theory
Two metaphysical pluralists: Berlin and James
Classical pragmatism and pluralism
From pluralism to politics: four neo-Berlinian proposals
Value pluralism as an account of value
Towards a new pragmatist political theory
Can (political) liberals take their own side in an argument?
Religion and politics