2006 Handbooks

In liberal democratic societies we have become used to defending and celebrating the idea of differences between individuals and between groups. Cultural and ethical differences are seen to contribute to the vitality of the community and to the formation of open personalities. Yet the affirmation of cultural differences also presents us with problems that need to be negotiated. In particular, how do we think about our common purposes and the bonds of solidarity that are necessary to our survival as a society in terms that are consistent with a deeply helped commitment to the principle of difference? Liberalism has supposed that the ideal of the tolerant society could provide the solution here. But some commentators suggest that tolerance is not enough; difference need to be able to seek recognition not just forbearance. In this unit we discuss problems of conceptualising the relations between solidarity and difference. This general theme is tracked through a spectrum of issues that affect our lives. We look at topics like: stigma, love and friendship, gender, multiculturalism, reconciliation, globalisation and terrorism.