Contents Preface (by Noel O'Sullivan) Chapter 1: Introduction PART 1 Chapter 2: Relativism Introduction How to Justify Relativism David Wong's Conception of Moral Relativity Harman and Relativism -- Relativity as Reasonably Required Rorty's Relativism Conclusion Chapter 3: Universalism Introduction Thomas Nagel's Universalism Habermas' Transcendental-Pragmatic Argument The Universalism of Stuart Hampshire Contingent Universalism Conclusion Chapter 4: Reflective Equilibrium and Relativism Introduction Reflective Equilibrium as a Method of Moral Justification 'Considered' Judgements The Status of Considered Moral Judgements The Nature of Coherence Relativism How We Choose Between Multiple Justified Moralities Conclusion -- Coherence Relativism? Chapter 5: Coherence Relativism and Its Implications Introduction Universality and Moral Criticism Abhorrent Moralities, Relativism and Toleration Conclusion PART 2 Chapter 6: Liberal Neutrality Introduction Charles Larmore's Neutralist Proposal Rawls' Priority of Right Conclusion Chapter 7: Reasonable Disagreement and Relativism Introduction Reasonable Disagreement and Liberalism Liberalism, Scepticism and Relativism Relativism and Justificatory Liberalism Justificatory Liberalism and the Possibility of Legitimacy Conclusion Chapter 8: Conclusion The Culture of Relativism Bibliography Index
Moral relativism is often regarded as incompatible with liberalism. This book aims to show why such criticism is misconceived. First, it argues that relativism provides a plausible account of moral justification. Drawing on the contemporary relativist and universalist analyses of Harman, Nagel and Habermas, it develops an alternative account of 'coherence relativism' and argues that the political liberalism of Rawls and Barry is founded on an unacknowledged commitment to a relativist account of justification. The thesis on which this book is based won the 2003 Sir Ernest Barker prize from the Political Studies Association.
"Long offers us a carefully crafted defense of metaethical relativism that is both meticulous and broad-ranging in its engagement with contemporary meta-ethical debates." -- David Thunder Review of Politics "Through his taste for rigorous arguments, his seriousness of purpose, and his knowledge of the literature... he has succeeded in producing a book that is both thoughtful and thought-provoking." -- Nasser Behnegar Perspectives on Politics "Long's case is a very persuasive one indeed... much to be recommended." -- Gerard Hughes New Blackfriars "Long develops his arguments in an intelligent, detailed and thoughful manner." -- Richard North Res Publica "What Graham Long does in this book is to point out a meta-ethical relativism that provides a plausible account of mental justification, namely 'coherence relativism'. " -- Wim Vandekerckhove Ethical Perspectives "In this ambitious and challenging work, Graham Long defends a form of metaethical relativism as a plausible account of moral justification, and as not only compatible with contemporary liberalism, but underpinning it. These controversial claims are defended with considerable ingenuity and rigour, and woven into an original argument that should force those inclined to dismiss any relativism as obviously confused and implausible to think again. Accessibly written and informed by the latest scholarship in political theory and moral philosophy, Relativism and the Foundations of Liberalism is an important contribution to current debates about the basis of political liberalism, and of moral justification more generally." -- John Horton, Keele University "Relativism and the Foundations of Liberalism is a nuanced analysis of a key topic in contemporary political theory which challenges the conventional wisdom about relativism and about liberalism. Many political theorists reject relativism. In his book, Long argues that the objections to relativism can be met or accommodated and that a universalist position is unsustainable. Furthermore, he challenges conventional views about the foundations of liberalism, arguing that, contrary to the views of many liberals, relativism can form part of a persuasive justification of liberal principles. This is a meticulously argued and closely reasoned work on an issue of fundamental importance." -- Simon Caney, University of Birmingham
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