Episode 89: Rationalism, Pluralism, and Freedom (with Jacob T. Levy)
Channel: Libertarianism.org
Date: 2015-07-06

Jacob T. Levy says a tension exists in liberal political thought between a rationalist suspicion of localized power and a pluralism favoring intermediate groups.

Can rationalism and pluralism be reconciled in the liberal tradition? Why not?

How much authority is proper for intermediate groups? When does pluralism shift into illiberalism? How can the balance of power between intermediate groups be used to grow the power of a central state?

Show Notes and Further Reading

Jacob T. Levy, Rationalism, Pluralism & Freedom (book)
http://www.amazon.com/Rationalism-Pluralism-Freedom-Jacob-Levy/dp/0198717148

Montesquieu, The Spirit of Laws (book)
http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Laws-Charles-Baron-Montesquieu/dp/1616405287/

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