Reasonable pluralism from "summary" of A Theory of Justice, Revised Edition by John Rawls,Professor John Rawls
Reasonable pluralism refers to the inevitable diversity of comprehensive doctrines that exist within a democratic society. It recognizes that citizens hold a variety of beliefs, values, and life plans that are often deeply held and fundamentally different from one another. This diversity is a natural consequence of human autonomy and the freedom individuals have to form their own conceptions of the good. In a pluralistic society, individuals are bound to disagree on matters of ultimate importance. These disagreements can stem from different religious, philosophical, or cultural perspectives, and they are often irreconcilable. Reasonable pluralism acknowledges that attempts to resolve these disagreements through rational debate or argument are unlikely to be successful, as people's beliefs are often deeply ingrained and resistant to change. Despite the existence of differing comprehensive doctrines, reasonable pluralism asserts that citizens can still find common ground and cooperate effectively within a liberal democratic framework. This is possible through the adoption of a political conception of justice that is capable of accommodating a wide range of reasonable comprehensive doctrines. The political conception of justice serves as a shared framework within which citizens with diverse beliefs can engage in public reasoning and deliberation. It focuses on principles of justice that are capable of garnering overlapping consensus among citizens who hold different comprehensive doctrines. By appealing to shared values of fairness, equality, and reciprocity, the political conception of justice provides a basis for cooperation and mutual respect among citizens with diverse beliefs. In this way, reasonable pluralism offers a way to navigate the challenges posed by diversity within a democratic society. It recognizes the importance of respecting individuals' autonomy and diversity of beliefs while also upholding the principles of justice and fairness that are necessary for a well-ordered society. By embracing reasonable pluralism, citizens can work together to build a more just and inclusive society that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
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