Autonomy, Respect, and Arrogance in the Danish Cartoon Controversy
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Autonomy, Respect, and Arrogance in the Danish Cartoon Controversy. / Rostbøll, Christian F.
In: Political Theory, Vol. 37, No. 5, 2009, p. 623-648.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Autonomy, Respect, and Arrogance in the Danish Cartoon Controversy
AU - Rostbøll, Christian F.
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - Autonomy is increasingly rejected as a fundamental principle by liberal political theorists, because it is regarded as incompatible with respect for diversity. This article seeks, via an analysis of the Danish cartoon controversy, to show that the relationship between autonomy and diversity is more complex than often posited. Particularly, it asks whether the autonomy defense of freedom of expression encourages disrespect for religious feelings. Autonomy leads to disrespect for diversity only when it is understood as a character ideal that must be promoted as an end in itself. If it by contrast is understood as something we should presume everyone possesses, it provides a strong basis for equal respect among people from diverse cultures. A Kantian conception of autonomy can justify the right to freedom of expression while it at the same time requires that we in the exercise of freedom of expression show respect for others as equals.
AB - Autonomy is increasingly rejected as a fundamental principle by liberal political theorists, because it is regarded as incompatible with respect for diversity. This article seeks, via an analysis of the Danish cartoon controversy, to show that the relationship between autonomy and diversity is more complex than often posited. Particularly, it asks whether the autonomy defense of freedom of expression encourages disrespect for religious feelings. Autonomy leads to disrespect for diversity only when it is understood as a character ideal that must be promoted as an end in itself. If it by contrast is understood as something we should presume everyone possesses, it provides a strong basis for equal respect among people from diverse cultures. A Kantian conception of autonomy can justify the right to freedom of expression while it at the same time requires that we in the exercise of freedom of expression show respect for others as equals.
U2 - 10.1177/0090591709340138
DO - 10.1177/0090591709340138
M3 - Journal article
VL - 37
SP - 623
EP - 648
JO - Political Theory
JF - Political Theory
SN - 0090-5917
IS - 5
ER -
ID: 10610400