What is Liberalism?

When talking about democracy, one cannot but also mention liberalism. Liberal principles such as the rule of law, the separation of powers, human rights and tolerance are part of the permanent fabric of modern democracies. Therefore, the currently much-cited crisis of democracy is also a crisis of liberalism. Many say that liberalism is no longer able to keep its promises. Elif Özmen’s book positions itself against the all-too-general commonplaces and crisis discourses about liberalism with a systematic presentation of its philosophical foundations, normative architectures and current controversies. A defence of liberalism that positions it as the lesser evil among forms of government and life.
 

»My aim is to show what liberal theories have in common, by means of three concepts: freedom, equality, and individualism. The focus on these three concepts for the purpose of this book is practical, thematic as well as constructive.«

»To highlight the normative attractiveness of liberalism in comparison with its alternatives is to give liberalism the benefit of the doubt. All in all, liberal democracy is the worst form of government and life – apart from all the others.«

»What is Liberalism? is an erudite work but it is also a political intervention: the salvation of philosophical liberalism at the very moment comes under threat.« Jakob Hayner, Literarische Welt