The Case against Neutrality

In this chapter I consider and reject various leading arguments for liberal neutrality. I show that the extent of so called ‘reasonable’ disagreement about the good is much less than is often supposed. Much of the disagreement about ethics exist because of the human tendency to adopt the beliefs of one’s community. This tendency, rather than the limits of reason, better explains why many views continue to be widely held. Since children have a powerful interest in holding an epistemically reasonable conception of the good, they have an interest in being raised with a sound view of the good. I argue against the view that equal respect requires state neutrality, since respect for children requires giving them a good upbringing. Finally, I show why perfectionism for children need not be illegitimate.