Multiculturalism and the Foundations of Meaningful Life

Theories of liberal multiculturalism seek to reconcile culturalrights with universal liberal principles. Some focus on individualautonomy; others emphasize communal identity. Andrew Robinson arguesthat liberal multiculturalism can be justified without privilegingeither. By appealing to the deeper value of meaningful life, he showshow autonomy and community are actually interdependent. He concludes byillustrating – with reference to national and ethnic minorities,indigenous peoples, and traditional communities – the policyprinciples that can be derived from this position.

An innovative account of the theory and practice of liberalmulticulturalism, Multiculturalism and the Foundations ofMeaningful Life will interest students, scholars, activists andpolicy makers working in areas of political theory, multiculturalism,indigenous peoples, and ethnic and religious minorities.