This book examines what the justification of political power and the character of a liberal political community in the conditions of pluralism should look like, with the aim of equal respect for all. Sylvie Bláhová argues that if those who understand the principle of respect as the basis of political liberalism are to fulfill all the prerequisites of this principle, they must ensure respect within the liberal political community as a whole. The classic interpretation of political liberalism ensures respect during the process of justification of political power, yet many individuals in the liberal political community remain disrespected, mainly due to their group membership. Accordingly, Bláhová looks for a more complex interpretation of the principle of respect within political liberalism, one that ensures respect beyond the justification of political power. The author argues that the way to achieve respect in the liberal political community is to interpret the criterion of reciprocity in a dual way. Specifically, Bláhová claims that respect can be ensured only in conjunction with the principle of civic friendship, which makes respect more comprehensive. This novel interpretation can ensure unity of the liberal political community and make it stable, which is crucial in conditions of pluralism.

Covers a highly topical issue in both political theory and practice Includes in-depth discussion on pluralism, respect and public reason Presents and innovative solution to the problem of pluralism

Autorentext

Sylvie Bláhová is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Philosophical Faculty, University of Hradec Králové, Czechia.

Klappentext

This book examines what the justification of political power and the character of a liberal political community in the conditions of pluralism should look like, with the aim of equal respect for all. Sylvie Bláhová argues that if those who understand the principle of respect as the basis of political liberalism are to fulfill all the prerequisites of this principle, they must ensure respect within the liberal political community as a whole. The classic interpretation of political liberalism ensures respect during the process of justification of political power, yet many individuals in the liberal political community remain disrespected, mainly due to their group membership. Accordingly, Bláhová looks for a more complex interpretation of the principle of respect within political liberalism, one that ensures respect beyond the justification of political power. The author argues that the way to achieve respect in the liberal political community is to interpret the criterion of reciprocity in a dual way. Specifically, Bláhová claims that respect can be ensured only in conjunction with the principle of civic friendship, which makes respect more comprehensive. This novel interpretation can ensure unity of the liberal political community and make it stable, which is crucial in conditions of pluralism.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Seeking Unity In A Pluralistic World.- Chapter 2: Pluralism In Liberal Political Theory: From Pluralism As A Fact To Pluralism As An Inherent Value.- Chapter 3: Respect As The Default Moral Principle Of A Liberal Political Community: Why Does Respect At The Essentially Political Level Not Lead To Respect At The Structural Level?.- Chapter 4: The Dual Interpretation Of The Criterion Of Reciprocity: The Path To A More Respectful Political Community.- Chapter 5: Disrespect And Misrecognition As A Reason For Lack Of Commitment To The Political Community: The Case Of Young French Citizens Of Immigrant Origin.- Chapter 6: Respect, Civic Friendship, And The Role Of Emotion.