Reason, Religion, and Democracy

This book emphasizes the difference between religion and science as means for understanding causal relationships.

Dennis C. Mueller (Author)

9780521132732, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 August 2009

460 pages, 1 b/w illus. 15 tables
23 x 15.2 x 2.4 cm, 0.62 kg

'This is bound to be a controversial book. Mueller argues for consideration of restricted franchise – with only those 'with more education or loyalty to the state' forming the electorate. He questions the wisdom of the 'freedom to educate one's children as one pleases' and raises doubts about relatively open immigration policies. He underlines what he sees as a basic tension between religion (the 'antithesis of science') and liberal democracy. Above all, it is a courageous book, tackling difficult and tender questions about how the delicate balance between liberalism and democracy can best be managed. Not everyone will agree with his position. But everyone should agree that the challenges he points to are genuine and highly significant in the contemporary world.' Geoffrey Brennan, Australian National University

This book also emphasizes the difference between religion and science as means for understanding causal relationships, but it focuses much more heavily on the challenge religious extremism poses for liberal democratic institutions. The treatment contains a discussion of human psychology, describes the salient characteristics of all religions, and contrasts religion and science as systems of thought. Historical sketches are used to establish a link between modernity and the use of the human capacity for reasoning to advance human welfare. The book describes the conditions under which democratic institutions can advance human welfare, and the nature of constitutional rights as protectors of individual freedoms. Extremist religions are shown to pose a threat to liberal democracy, a threat that has implications for immigration and education policies and the definition of citizenship.

1. Liberal democracy
Part I. Fundamentals: Evolution, Psychology, Reasoning and Religion: 2. Evolution, psychology and reason
3. Religion
Part II. An Historical Look at the State, Democracy and Religion: 4. The first states
5. Athens and Rome
6. The Caliphate
7. The Renaissance
8. The Enlightenment
9. Religion and democracy after the French revolution
Part III. The Institutions of Liberal Democracy: 10. Democracy and citizenship
11. Rights
12. Education, citizenship, immigration and democracy
Part IV. Challenges to Liberal Democracy: 13. Democracy and religion
14. Building and protecting Liberal democracy.

Subject Areas: Political structures: democracy [JPHV], Politics & government [JP], Religion & science [HRAM3], Religion & politics [HRAM2], Philosophy [HP]