A liberal theory of collective rights
by Michel Seymour
On This Page
Description
Most states are multination states, and most peoples are stateless peoples. Just as collectives can behave as sovereign states only if they are recognized by the international community, liberal multination states must recognize stateless peoples in order to determine their political status within that state. There is, however, no agreement on the kind of principles that should be considered, especially under classical liberalism, which gives individuals preeminence over groups. Liberal show more theories that attempt to accommodate collective rights are often based on a comprehensive version of liberalism that subscribes to moral individualism. Within such a framework, they develop a watered-down concept of collective rights. In A Liberal Theory of Collective Rights Michel Seymour explores the theoretical resources of John Rawls ?s political liberalism and shows that this particular approach can accommodate genuine collective rights. By Rawls ?s account, Seymour explains, peoples are moral agents and sources of valid moral claims and are therefore entitled to collective rights. These kinds of rights translate, in the constitution of the multination state, to a true political recognition for stateless peoples. Ultimately, A Liberal Theory of Collective Rights answers three important questions: Who is the subject of collective rights? What is the object of collective rights? And can they be institutionalized in real politics? show lessMembers
- Recently Added By
Lists
The (So-Called) Canada Pill
150 works; 1 member
Author Information
14 Works 44 Members
Michel Seymour is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Montreal, Canada. His publications include The Plural States of Recognition (editor, 2010) and The Fate of the Nation-state (editor, 2004). He also co-edited Rethinking Nationalism (with Jocelyne Couture and Kai Nielsen, Supplementary Volume 22 of the Canadian Journal of Philosophy, show more 1996). Alain-G. Gagnon is Professor in the Department of Political Science and Canada Research Chair in Quebec and Canadian Studies, at the University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada. His most recent publications include Federal Democracies (with Michael Burgess, 2010), Political Autonomy and Divided Societies (with Michael Keating, 2012) and The Case for Multinational Federalism (2010). show less
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 4
- Popularity
- 3,034,977
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 4
