Synopses & Reviews
Liberalism is often described as a theory about the proper relationship between the individual and the state. But liberalism also contains a broader account of the relationship between the individual and society. Kymlicka here presents the liberal view about the nature and value of community culture in an unusually explicit and systematic way, and links it to more familiar liberal views on individual rights and state neutrality.
Review
"Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates and above."--Choice
"This excellent book, while forming a perfectly coherent whole, fulfils two major purposes. It is a highly lucid and informed discussion-the most comprehensive yet-of the debate between liberals and communitarians, and defense of liberalism against both communitarian and Marxist critiques. It is also a very powerful liberal argument for the protection of the collective rights of minority cultures...essential reading for political and legal theorists and philosophers who are interested in real, urgent political issues. It should become a core text in graduate and advanced undergraduate courses in contemporary political theory. It is to be hoped, too, that it will be read and considered seriously by those who are making policy decisions about the collective rights needed to protect minority cultures. Kymlicka has given us a first book that is always highly intelligent, clear, readable, and focused on crucial issues-and sometimes brilliant."-- Political Theory
"A provocative analysis of the place of cultural membership in liberal theory, as well as an excellent elaboration and defense of liberal principles."--American Political Review
"The best philosophical treatment of minority rights issues that I know of. His book deserves to be widely read and discussed."--Canadian Philosophical Review
"An ambitious and closely argued book. It engages with rigour and insight some of the central issues in the contemporary debate between liberals and communitarians...I encourage anyone who is interested in political philosophy to read the book."--Philosophical Books