The principle of equal respect as the best answer to the experiences of modernity: charles Larmore’s political philosophy

Abstract

This paper introduces Charles Larmore’s political philosophy. It argues that Larmore’s political proposal is established as a moral foundation for the political liberalism through the principle of equal respect for people. Such principle is considered by the author as the best answer to the problems arisen in modernity, such as the problems of the legitimacy of political power or of social justice. In addition, it will argue that this project should not be restricted to the current debate of the relations between the moral and political dimensions, as we find in Rawls, Habermas or Dworkin. Larmore’s political philosophy is built upon a rather peculiar epistemology and a moral realism, which will influence his final position on political liberalism.