Description
Book SynopsisAt the center of pluralistic societies like that of the United States is the question of how to make broadly consensual social policy in light of the different moral values held by a heterogeneous population and more. This book develops an approach to deal with conflicting values in the policymaking process.
Trade Review“With superb insight, Benjamin Gregg melds theory and research in sociology and political science into an approach to communitarianism that in content advances the arguments of Amitai Etzioni and in form rivals the touch of Jeffrey Alexander. Gregg’s concept of ‘enlightened localism’ merits close attention by researchers and theorists alike.”—David Sciulli, author of
Corporate Power in Civil Society”The dividing line between liberalism and communitarianism is steadily eroding, as is evident in a number of recent books dealing with ‘liberal pluralism’ and the like.
Thick Moralities, Thin Politics resolutely carries forward this trend. Written from a pragmatist perspective enriched by critical theory, the text articulates the conception of a public sphere composed of several communities with ‘thick moralities’ and held together by a framework of ‘thin’ political rules allowing for diversity and contestation. An important contribution to the debate about democratic multiculturalism.”—Fred R. Dallmayr, University of Notre Dame
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
I. Thick Moralities, Thin Politics in Social Integration
1. Thick and Thin 17
2. Social Integration within Cosmopolitan Societies 40
3. Social Integration among Diverse Communities 67
4. Solidarities, Understandings, Identities 90
II. Thick Moralities, Thin Politics in Political Judgment
5. Political Judgment about Indeterminate Legal Norms
115
6. Political Judgment about Competing Cultural Values
137
7. Political Judgment as Ideology Critique
165
Coda 187
Notes 195
Selected Bibliography 223
Index 235
