Modus Vivendi Liberalism
Theory and Practice

Shows how the modus vivendi approach rejects the broad philosophical ambitions that characterize much of recent liberal thought.

David McCabe (Author)

9780521119788, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 February 2010

264 pages
23.6 x 15.9 x 2 cm, 0.55 kg

"Modus Vivendi Liberalism is ambitious, thoughtfully organized, and challenging, constructing a consistent and well-defended narrative characterized by a high level of rigor, and providing a model of probing philosophical argumentation.... Modus Vivendi Liberalism as a whole provides a valuable contribution to existing literature, is a starting point for future interdisciplinary research, and should stimulate a great deal of significant debate and discussion. Modus Vivendi Liberalism defends a number of innovative theories, constructing a stimulating narrative, and makes a series of significant and well-constructed arguments."
--George Lazaroiu, Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, New York, Contemporary Readings in Law and Social Justice

A central task in contemporary political philosophy is to identify principles governing political life where citizens disagree deeply on important questions of value and, more generally, about the proper ends of life. The distinctively liberal response to this challenge insists that the state should as far as possible avoid relying on such contested issues in its basic structure and deliberations. David McCabe critically surveys influential defenses of the liberal solution and advocates modus vivendi liberalism as an alternative defense of the liberal state. Acknowledging that the modus vivendi approach does not provide the deep moral consensus that many liberals demand, he defends the liberal state as an acceptable compromise among citizens who will continue to see it as less than ideal. His book will interest a wide range of readers in political philosophy and political theory.

Part I. Starting Assumptions: 1. The liberal project
2. Pluralism and well-being
Part II. The Failure of the Main Arguments: 3. Liberal autonomy: the universalist case
4. Liberal autonomy: the particularist case
5. Political liberalism
6. Pluralist liberalism
Part III. Modus Vivendi Liberalism: 7. The case for modus vivendi liberalism
8. The challenge of gender equality
9. Compulsory education in the MVL state
10. The limits of modus vivendi liberalism.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]