more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
The chief function of the state is seen to be to maintain what is referred to as the dialogue or conversation among the contending visions of how life should be lived.
Gist of Idea
The chief function of the state is to arbitrate between contending visions of the good life
Source
John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 08.4)
Book Ref
Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.175
A Reaction
This is Kekes's defence of 'pluralism'. It is not liberal, because liberal freedom, autonomy and equality is only one of the competing visions of the good life. Almost every state suppresses some such visions.