Single Idea 23114

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

The chief function of the state is seen to be to maintain what is referred to as the dialogue or conversation among the contending visions of how life should be lived.

Gist of Idea

The chief function of the state is to arbitrate between contending visions of the good life

Source

John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 08.4)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.175


A Reaction

This is Kekes's defence of 'pluralism'. It is not liberal, because liberal freedom, autonomy and equality is only one of the competing visions of the good life. Almost every state suppresses some such visions.