Abstract

Introduction In this essay, I will provide an overview of Akeel Bilgrami's model of negotiated-emergent secularism. Although in the conclusion of my essay I will put forward some critical comments, I believe that Bilgrami's thesis, as well as the underlying philosophical and moral-psychological theory, deserves attention as an interesting and important contribution to the intensifying debates on secularism.Bilgrami's goal in proposing the model of emergent-negotiated secularism is twofold. On the one hand, he intends to work out a position that would permit an inclusivist attitude toward citizens whom he describes as religious illiberal moderates. He states that this model…