It doesn't have a fixed character. It's a mindset that has to do with a respect for human rights and civil liberties, toleration of different religions, and an ability to live with ambiguity. So, I like the idea of liberal as a qualifier on other and more specific and coherent commitments.

Michael Walzer

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A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.

Michael Walzer is an emeritus professor at the Institute for Advanced Study. He was also a longtime editor of Dissent. He is the author of many books including the classic of political philosophy Spheres of Justice. His most recent book is called The Struggle for a Decent Politics: On “Liberal” as an Adjective.

Key Highlights

• Introduction - 0:45
• What is Liberalism? 3:53
• Liberal Democracy - 11:47
• Liberal Nationalism - 17:35
• How Does Liberalism Change? 22:14

Key Links

The Struggle for a Decent Politics: On "Liberal" as an Adjective by Michael Walzer

Spheres Of Justice: A Defense Of Pluralism And Equality by Michael Walzer

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