Foundations of a Theory of Multicultural Justice

In: Constellations: an international journal of critical and democratic theory, Band 4, Heft 1, S. 63-71

Abstract

Part of a review symposium (see abstracts of related articles) on a book by Will Kymlicka, Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights (Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1995). Kymlicka's effort to create a comprehensive theory of justice, admittedly necessary in any multicultural society, is criticized as insufficient. The main characteristics of a normative framework for such a theory include the requirement that all citizens in the multicultural state equally accept the definitions of values & norms comprising the basic structure of that state. Although Kymlicka fundamentally views the liberal notion of choice as integral to the relationship between societal culture & individual autonomy, this is not seen as a generally shareable concept in a multicultural society. Thus, it cannot provide an impartial basis for justice, nor does it help Kymlicka clarify why diverse groups should value membership in the larger cultural group. A notion of moral autonomy is proposed as an alternative to Kymlicka's notion of personal autonomy as the basis for multicultural justice. Moral autonomy is more broadly generalizable because the autonomous individual cannot legitimately deny others their right to basic moral respect. The notion of moral tolerance places fewer restrictions on members of the multicultural state than does Kymlicka's concept of strong liberal tolerance & thereby offers a more realistic opportunity for all members to participate in creating a just society. B. Wolfe