Single Idea 23085

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / b. Liberal individualism]

Full Idea

Liberals regard pluralism, freedom, rights, equality and distributive justice as basic …but this particular group of values is explained by the true core of liberalism, the inner citadel for whose protection all the liberal battles are waged: autonomy.

Clarification

'pluralism' is accepting varied concepts of the good life

Gist of Idea

The key liberal values are explained by the one core value, which is autonomy

Source

John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 01.5)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.15


A Reaction

Given that children, soldiers, monks and nuns, and people in old folks homes have very limited autonomy, it is reasonable to query whether it really is so important. I like autonomy if I have external power over my life; not so good when in hospital.