Autonomy, Diversity and the Common Good

edited by Ingolf U. Dalferth and Marlene A. Block

Book cover: Autonomy, Diversity and the Common Good

Extent: 305 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Philosophy, Religious Studies, Social Sciences 

Series: Religion in Philosophy and Theology

Series volume number: 126

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(March 2023)

ISBN: 9783161618987

9.09 x 6.06 inches

Price: $118.00

In stock

Is it possible to strive for autonomy and diversity in society without weakening the common good? How much autonomy and diversity are possible without destroying social cohesion and human solidarity? And how much social commonality is necessary to be able to live an autonomous life and do justice to diversity?


Is it true that insistence on autonomy and diversity weakens social cohesion, or that striving for justice, equity and equality undermines individual freedom? A long tradition has seen the common good as the social order in which individuals and groups can best strive for perfection. Liberal societies insist that this perfecting must not be done at the cost of others or by restricting the right to such a striving only to some and not granting it also to others. However, in a time of growing social and cultural diversity and inequality the traditional tensions between individual freedom and social responsibility have increased to a point where the binding forces of our societies seem to be exhausted. How much individuality and what kinds of diversity are we ready to accept? How much autonomy and diversity are possible without destroying social cohesion and human solidarity? And how much social commonality is necessary to be able to live an autonomous life and do justice to diversity?

  • Edited by Marlene A Block
  • Edited by Ingolf U Dalferth