(Im)Partiality, Compassion, and Cross-Cultural Change: Re-Envisioning Political Decision-Making and Free Expression
Past justifications of free expression rely on the crucial role speech plays in deliberative democracies and respecting persons. Beneath each of these justifications lies the common goal of creating greater justice for individuals and groups. Yet 20th century political liberalism limits the kinds of arguments that ought to motivate political decisions. In this paper I explore how an inclusive political decision-making process can bring about a more just world. By relying on personal views and compassion rather than impartiality and reasonability, political actors can engage in a discourse that results in greater understanding among persons and lasting community change. Macalester College Philosophy Dr. William Wilcox 27 April 2014