How can we agree to disagree in today’s pluralistic society, one in which individuals and groups are becoming increasingly polarized by fierce convictions that are often at odds with the ideas of others? Civil Disagreement: Personal Integrity in a Pluralistic Society shows how we can cope with diversity and be appropriately open toward opponents even while staying true to our convictions. This accessible and useful guide discusses how our conversations and arguments can respect differences and maintain personal integrity and civility even while taking stances on disputed issues. The author examines an array of illustrative cases, such as debates over slavery, gay marriage, compulsory education for the Amish, and others, providing helpful insights on how to take firm stands without denigrating opponents. The author proposes an approach called “perspective pluralism” that honors the integrity of various viewpoints while avoiding the implication that all reasonable views are equally acceptable or true.

Civil Disagreement offers a concise yet comprehensive guide for students and scholars of philosophical or religious ethics, political or social philosophy, and political science, as well as general readers who are concerned about the polarization that often seems to paralyze national and international politics.

Edward Langerak is professor emeritus, St. Olaf College, where he taught ethics and philosophy for over four decades, holding the Boldt/NEH Distinguished Teaching Chair in the Humanities from 2000 to 2003. He has been a recipient of the Woodrow Wilson, Kent (Danforth Foundation), and National Humanities Foundation fellowships.

Preface

1. Conversations and ArgumentsStates of NatureConvictions, Commitments, and Integrity Uses of ConversationFour Types of Claims Conversations and ArgumentsCivility

2. Conflicts and PluralismsDiversityReasonable Pluralism Value PluralismReligious Pluralism Perspective Pluralism Pluralism and Other Isms

3. Toleration and RespectToleration and Tolerance History of Toleration Justifications: Prudence and Principle Cooperation and Compromise RespectVariations on Civil Disagreement

4. Laws and DissentersCivil Disagreement about Legislating Laws Accomodating Dissenters

5. Civil Disagreement: Conclusion

Works Cited

Index