The Illiberalism of Liberalism: Religious Discourse in the Public Square

73 Pages Posted: 10 Aug 2005

Abstract

This article explores the liberal theory presented by John Rawls in "Political Liberalism." The article discusses several of the assumptions underlying liberal theories and their implications. The article concludes that even if one accepts the assumptions of liberal models such as that of Rawls, they do not necessitate exclusion of religious and other comprehensive beliefs as grounds for public justification and choice. The article also argues that religious and nonreligious beliefs are epistemologically equivalent; therefore, any epistemological distinction between religious and nonreligious beliefs may not justify exclusion of religious beliefs as grounds for public justification and choice. Finally, the article develops a proposal for an alternative model governing the role of comprehensive doctrines in public discourse, focusing on the rights and duties of the listener in a liberal society. This approach emphasizes the right of the listener to information regarding justifications for public choices based on religious or other comprehensive doctrines.

Keywords: constitution, religion, liberalism, john rawls, political liberalism, establishment clause

Suggested Citation

Smith, Douglas Geoffrey, The Illiberalism of Liberalism: Religious Discourse in the Public Square. San Diego Law Review, Vol. 34, p. 1571, 1997, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=772305

Douglas Geoffrey Smith (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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