The Virtuous Citizen
Patriotism in a Multicultural Society

Explores the proper place that patriotism can have in a liberal, multicultural society.

Tim Soutphommasane (Author)

9781107690516, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 August 2012

263 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.2 cm, 0.44 kg

'Where the book stands out is in its nuanced treatment of liberalism, and it is this that accounts for its relevance to Britain.' The Guardian

What does it mean to be a citizen in a multicultural society? And what role must patriotism play in defining our relationship with our country and fellow citizens? In The Virtuous Citizen Tim Soutphommasane answers these questions with a critical defence of liberal nationalism. Considering a range of contemporary political debates from Europe, North America and Australia, over issues including multiculturalism, national history, civic education and immigration, Soutphommasane argues that a love of country should be valued alongside tolerance, mutual respect and public reasonableness as a civic virtue. A liberal form of patriotism, grounded in national identity, is, if anything, essential for political stability in a diverse society. This book is required reading not only for political theorists and philosophers but also for researchers and professionals in political science, sociology, history and public policy.

1. Introduction
Part I. Membership: 2. Patriotism
3. Multiculturalism
4. Liberal nationalism as cultural nationalism
Part II. Virtue: 5. Liberal nationalist virtue
6. Patriotic deliberation and social criticism
Part III. Institutions: 7. Civic education
8. Immigration and integration
9. Conclusion.

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