Liberalism, Equality, and Cultural Oppression

Kernohan argues that a liberal state committed to moral equality must accept a strong role in reforming our cultural environment.

Andrew Kernohan (Author)

9780521627535, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 28 July 1998

148 pages
22.9 x 15.4 x 1.3 cm, 0.23 kg

'The great value of the book lies not in its approach to any particular issue, but in its timely reminder that a liberal's work is never done.' Jonathan Wolff, The Times Literary Supplement

Liberal political philosophy emphasizes the benefits of membership in a cultural group and, in the opinion of this challenging book, neglects its harmful, oppressive aspects. Andrew Kernohan argues that an oppressive culture perpetuates inegalitarian social meanings and false assumptions about who is entitled to what. Cultural pollution harms fundamental interests in self-respect and knowledge of the good and is diffuse, insidious, and unnoticed. This cultural pollution is analogous to environmental pollution, and though difficult to detect, is nonetheless just as real. The book's conclusion is that a liberal state committed to the moral equality of persons must accept a strong role in reforming our cultural environment.

Introduction
Acknowledgments
1. Equality, tolerance, and cultural oppression
2. Liberalism and the epistemology of value
3. The moral equality of persons
4. Neutrality and the harm principle
5. Liberalism and the reform of culture
Conclusion
Notes.

Subject Areas: Social & political philosophy [HPS]