European University Institute Library

Freedom and equality in a liberal democratic state, Jasper Doomen

eng

With summary in DutchIncludes bibliographical references (p. 223-231) and index

index present

non fiction

Freedom and equality in a liberal democratic state

thesesbibliography

876898821

Jasper Doomen

This study explores freedom and equality as necessary constituents of a liberal democratic state. At the same time, equality and freedom conflict in various respects. It is examined how such conflicts may optimally be resolved while taking seriously the interests involved. These inquiries have far-reaching consequences for the justification of the liberal democratic state. Equal rights are generally considered to be an integral part of a liberal democratic state, but on what foundation are such rights based? Various attempts have been made to provide such a foundation from a moral framework. Some important and influential positions are examined critically and an alternative perspective is offered. Equality is approached straightforwardly, without appealing to obscure notions while seeking an outcome that may universally be accepted. Rationality is an important feature in this respect. The question to what extent freedom should be allowed to citizens is another important issue. Granting citizens freedom is beneficial for the liberal democratic state as a whole and for citizens themselves. The limits of freedom must, however, be defined carefully. The search for a simple solution is balanced against the need to do the complexities of individual cases justice. In addition, it is not the task of a liberal democratic state to influence people's convictions concerning equality; only equal treatment should be guaranteed.--, Provided by Publisher

PART 1 EQUALITY Chapter 1 The Rise of Formal Equality Chapter 2 A Theory of Rationality Chapter 3 Taking Equality Seriously Chapter 4 The Import of Human Dignity Chapter 5 A Critique of Reason Chapter 6 Basic Equality and its Consequences PART 2 FREEDOM Chapter 7 Preliminary Remarks Chapter 8 Freedom's Empire Chapter 9 The Compatibility of Freedom and Equality Chapter 10 Harm and Ignore Chapter 11 The Ignore Principle Chapter 12 A Neutral View of the State? Chapter 13 The Public and Private Domains Chapter 14 Comprehensive Freedom Chapter 15 Between the Private and the Public Domain Chapter 16 The Added Value of Militant Democracy Remaining Issues