Forbidden ways of life

Colburn, B. (2008) Forbidden ways of life. Philosophical Quarterly, 58(233), pp. 618-629. (doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9213.2007.531.x)

Abstract

I examine an objection against autonomy-minded liberalism sometimes made by philosophers such as John Rawls and William Galston, that it rules out ways of life which do not themselves value freedom or autonomy. This objection is incorrect, because one need not value autonomy in order to live an autonomous life. Hence autonomy-minded liberalism need not rule out such ways of life. I suggest a modified objection which does work, namely that autonomy-minded liberalism must rule out ways of life that could not develop under an autonomy-promoting education. I conclude by suggesting some reasons why autonomy-minded liberals should bite the bullet and accept this.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Colburn, Professor Ben
• Authors: Colburn, B.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JC Political theory; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Philosophy
• Journal Name: Philosophical Quarterly
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0031-8094
• ISSN (Online): 1467-9213
• Published Online: 01 September 2007
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 Oxford University Press
• First Published: First published in Philosophical Quarterly 58(223):618-629
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.