Graham Long, Editor

Moral relativism is often regarded as both fatally flawed and incompatible with liberalism. In this book the author aims to show why such criticism is misconceived. First, he argues that relativism provides a plausible account of moral justification. Drawing on the contemporary relativist and universalist analyses of thinkers such as Harman, Nagel and Habermas, he develops an alternative account of 'coherence relativism'. Turning to liberalism, he then argues that moral relativism is not only consistent with the claims of contemporary liberalism, but underpins those claims. He argues that the political liberalism of Rawls and Barry is founded on an unacknowledged commitment to a relativist account of justification. In combining these two elements, the author offers a new understanding of relativism, and demonstrates its relevance for contemporary liberal thought.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Preface by Noël O'Sullivan
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Relativism
Chapter 3: Universalism
Chapter 4: Reflective Equilibrium and Relativism
Chapter 5: Coherence Relativism and its Implications
Chapter 6: Liberal Neutrality
Chapter 7: Reasonable Disagreement and Relativism
Chapter 8: Conclusion Bibliography
Index

"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

· ISBN 1-84540-004-6 · Published October 2004 by Imprint Academic · Cloth · 276 pages · $59.90 ·

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