Should Liberalism Fight, or Retreat & Retrench? with Alec Crisman

In 'A Theory of Justice,' John Rawls develops a moral theory of justice as fairness, which is an alternative to utilitarianism. The theory is based on the social contract approach and uses the concept of the original position and the veil of ignorance to derive two principles of justice. The first principle, the greatest equal liberty principle, ensures that each person has an equal right to the most extensive total system of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar system of liberty for all. The second principle, which includes the difference principle and the equal opportunity principle, states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are to the greatest benefit of the least advantaged and attached to offices and positions open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity. Rawls's theory aims to reconcile liberty and equality in a well-ordered society.

Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation.

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Alasia Nuti and Gabriele Badano's "Politicizing Political Liberalism" offers a normative framework for liberal democratic self-defense. The book tackles the challenge of countering illiberal and anti-democratic views while upholding liberal values. It examines the roles of various actors, including citizens, political parties, and municipalities, in this process. The authors build upon John Rawls's concept of political liberalism, addressing the need to contain unreasonable views that reject the principles of freedom and equality for all. The book provides insightful solutions to complex issues within political liberalism, offering a nuanced approach to real-world political challenges.

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