New Books in Political Science Russell Blackford, "How We Became Post-Liberal: The Rise and Fall of Toleration" (Bloomsbury, 2023)
Apr 26, 2025
Russell Blackford, a philosopher and legal scholar from the University of Newcastle, delves into the complexities of liberalism in his latest work. He explores the historical evolution of toleration and its challenges, particularly how liberal principles are often undermined in today’s society. The discussion covers the impact of rising right-wing populism, campus debates on academic freedom, and tensions between individual liberty and critiques of religion. Blackford argues for the preservation of liberal ideals while addressing the pressing need for post-liberal alternatives.
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Political Islam’s Challenge to Liberalism
- Political Islam tends towards theocracy, seeking political control aligned with Islamic law.
- This contrasts with Christianity’s historical retreat from political control, creating tension with liberalism.
Universities and Freedom to Criticize Religion
- Universities acting against criticism of religion violate liberalism's principle of open discussion.
- Criticism of ideologies, even religions, should be tolerated unless it promotes violence.
Limits of Toleration and Free Speech
- Tolerance has limits, especially regarding hateful propaganda like Nazi and Rwandan hate speech.
- Legitimate criticism of nations or religions should be allowed without being shut down as hate speech.
