Abstract

In this dissertation, I criticized the argument that in order to respect the autonomy of individuals, government must be neutral on questions of the good life. In Chapter 1, I discussed the concept of liberal neutrality, and presented a key argument neutralists use to defend it . In Chapter 2, I explored and cultivated Tocqueville's notion of local liberty to serve as a foundation to challenge the Argument from Respect for Individual Autonomy. In Chapter 3, I developed a political framework that demonstrates how localized political perfectionism can cohere with both individual autonomy and the basic rights stressed by the liberal tradition since Locke. In Chapter 4, I addressed several predictable criticisms that might be raised against the framework developed in Chapter 3. In Chapter 5, I explored why the Argument from Respect for Individual Autonomy is unsound. Finally, I concluded with a general observation regarding the position of those who advocate liberal neutrality