| Synopsis: |
Over 12 chapters, Simon Thompson applies the ideas of political philosophy to a series of practical political problems associated with the multicultural character of contemporary societies. The first six chapters each focus on one key contemporary political philosopher--Brian Barry, Will Kymlicka, Bhikhu Parekh, Jurgen Habermas, Anne Phillips and Seyla Benhabib. Thompson explains their ideas of equality, freedom, democracy and rights and, in particular, each philosopher's attitude towards multiculturalism. The second six chapters each explore a political issue presented by multiculturalism: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, language rights, representation rights, national identity and citizens' duties. Each chapter includes a case study to illustrate the issue in question and links back to the philosophers discussed in part one so that readers can see how these ideas relate to real-life, practical issues. |