this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: Rawls' Political Liberalism
Subtitle: Foundations and Principles
Author(s): VAN DE PUTTE, André
Journal: Ethical Perspectives
Volume: 2    Issue: 3   Date: September 1995   
Pages: 107-129
DOI: 10.2143/EP.2.3.563057

Abstract :
Since the publication of A theory of Justice, Rawls has not ceased to reflect on the range and significance of his theory. Political Liberalism presents the (provisional?) results of his ongoing considerations. Rawls situates political liberalism with the issue of religious pluralism. According to him, political liberalism began when the conflict between religions and conceptions of thruth was taken seriously rather than in the efforts to limit the absolute power of princes. He endeavours to find an answer to the question how an honest society of persons can be viable when there is deep division on matters of religion. What can society's foundation be when social unity can no longer ground itself in a consensus on truth, on a general and comprehensive religious doctrine?

Download article