Abstract

Taylor’s dissatisfaction with the current political situation in Canada stems from the failure of the federal government to ratify constitutional accords which he supported, and which would have promoted Quebec as a distinct society and self-rule by the Aborigines. Among the consequences are what Taylor defines as a “rights society” based upon an “atomistic” conception of citizenship which emphasizes conflict via litigation, compounded by domineering mainstream values of English Canada. Taylor prefers a participatory democracy that keeps power at a regional level.