Political Liberalism: Reply to Habermas

Abstract

My reply to Habermas begins in part I by reviewing two main differences between his views and mine which in good part are the result of our diverse aims and motivations. With this done, I try to reply to his more central criticisms, though for reasons of space I focus largely on what I believe are the most important criticisms in parts II and III of his paper. We agree on many philosophical points, though there are basic differences I try to make clear, especially in parts I and II below. Throughout, I take for granted some acquaintance with his writings, and so much of my discussion consists of reminders of what he says.