In his new book, “The Struggle for a Decent Politics,” the political philosopher Michael Walzer grapples with a definition. He argues that the adjective "liberal" does not determine who we are, but rather how we are who we are in politics. Liberalism, in the political context, encompasses a range of beliefs and values that prioritize individual rights, social justice, and a limited government role in society.
America's politics feels hopelessly deadlocked, but in one political arena, conservatives seem to win every battle: They have an uncanny ability to unite under a common conservative ideology. On the other hand, liberals often find themselves fragmented, with differing interpretations of liberal principles. This disagreement has incapacitated our politics and our collective ability to get things done.
Samuel Moyn's new book on the history of liberalism is an intellectual tour de force that deserves to be read widely. Moyn examines how liberalism has evolved over time, from its origins in the Enlightenment to its modern-day manifestations. He explores the tensions within liberalism, such as the balance between individual freedom and social equality, and how these tensions have shaped political discourse.
In "The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market," Naomi Oreskes and Louis Menand delve into the influence of American business on shaping public opinion towards government and the free market. They argue that the demonization of government and the glorification of the free market have hindered the ability to achieve meaningful political change.
Research conducted at the height of the 2020 election reveals new details about how Facebook's algorithms handle political content. The study highlights the potential biases and misinformation that can arise from algorithmic sorting and distribution of political information, raising concerns about the impact of technology on democratic processes.
This article, originally published in the April 2018 issue of the Journal of Democracy, discusses the importance of finding a reasonable political settlement. The author, William A. Galston, emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue and compromise to overcome political polarization and achieve progress in society.
For Newman, the discovery of any reasonable political settlement would first require what both the Letter to the Duke of Norfolk and the principles of liberalism demand: a genuine recognition and respect for the dignity and rights of every individual. By upholding these values, a path towards a more inclusive and just society can be forged.
In conclusion, the meaning of liberal in politics goes beyond a simple label. It encompasses a complex set of beliefs and values that prioritize individual rights, social justice, and limited government intervention. However, the fragmented nature of liberalism and the prevalence of disagreement have hindered its ability to achieve meaningful political change. To overcome these challenges, constructive dialogue, compromise, and a genuine recognition of human dignity are essential. Only through these efforts can liberals come together and make progress towards a more decent politics.
