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Comment On Benhabib's "Dismantling The Leviathan": A Republican-Liberai Perspective, Richard Dagger
Comment On Benhabib's "Dismantling The Leviathan": A Republican-Liberai Perspective, Richard Dagger
Political Science Faculty Publications
Those who think of themselves as republican or civic liberals, as I do, will surely be of two minds about Seyla Benhabib's "Dismantling the Leviathan: Citizen and State in a Global World" [Spring 2001 ]. In some respects, Professor Benhabib' s thoughtful essay is quite congenial to republican liberalism. She insists on the importance of human rights, for instance, and she looks for ways to expand political participation. Her indictment of "civic republicanism," however, requires a republican-liberal response.
The State, Civil Society, And Citizenship, Richard Dagger
The State, Civil Society, And Citizenship, Richard Dagger
Political Science Faculty Publications
In large, modern societies, then, we should make the most of "partial societies" by encouraging the development of a vital civil society--a sphere of life that promotes freedom through private activity and the voluntary associations that serve as a buffer between individuals and the state. Indeed, the question is not whether civil society is a prerequisite for a good society, but what form it should take. With this in mind, I want to offer three observations about the proper form of civil society.
Understanding The General Will, Richard Dagger
Understanding The General Will, Richard Dagger
Political Science Faculty Publications
While I do not accept all of these rationalistic readings of the general will, I do share the general conviction that we can make sense of Rousseau's concept, and his argument, without resorting to metaphysics or psychology. What I shall offer here, accordingly, is in some respects only a variation on a theme now well known to students of Rousseau's political philosophy. It is an important variation nonetheless, for it enables us to reconcile passages in the Social Contract which otherwise appear to be contradictory. That, at least, is what I shall argue in this essay.