The Tragedy of Liberalism: An Alternative Defense of a Political Tradition

H.H.A. van den Brink

Research output: Book/ReportBookScientific

Abstract

Drawing on recent developments in liberal theory, Bert van den Brink develops an alternative defense of liberalism. He argues that liberal theorists should admit that their doctrine is not neutral with regard to conceptions of the good life -- that it in fact fosters ideals of personal autonomy and a pluralist environment. These ideals generate irreconcilable, tragic conflicts between liberal and non-liberal ideals, and it is only by taking these conflicts seriously that liberals can learn of the unwanted consequences of liberal doctrine, effectively rebut critics, and react to the complex pluralism of contemporary societies.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationAlbany, NY
PublisherState University of New York Press
Number of pages270
ISBN (Print)0791446700
Publication statusPublished - 2000

Publication series

NameSUNY Series in Social and Political Thought

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Tragedy of Liberalism: An Alternative Defense of a Political Tradition'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this