Single Idea 23084

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / d. Liberal freedom]

Full Idea

Egalitarian liberalism is criticised by classical [freedom] liberals for its coercive redistribution, by socialist liberals for not being egalitarian enough, and by conservative liberals for abandoning moral standards in the guise of neutrality.

Gist of Idea

Are egalitarians too coercive, or not egalitarian enough, or lax over morality?

Source

John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 01.4)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.14


A Reaction

Income tax is 'coercive' distribution, but it is done with general consent in most liberal democracies. An interesting line between the needs of the state and the needs of its most needy citizens.