Community and democracy in South Africa : liberal versus communitarian perspectives

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The tradition of liberalism in South Africa has played a significant role in shapingthe country's multi-party democracy. Yet, there are several gaps within thetradition of liberalism which can be associated with an aversion towards majorityrule, equalising opportunities through affirmative action measures, and a focuson securing political rights as opposed to substantive rights for all citizens. It ismy contention that weaknesses within the liberal tradition could be minimised if amore credible conception of liberalism is constructed within the parameters of adeliberative framework of democracy.In this dissertation I make an argument for a defensible form of liberalism whichcan be achieved through a rational, reflexive discourse-oriented procedure ofdeliberative democracy. Deliberative democracy in turn can engender a form ofcitizenship which recognises the need for citizens to care, reason and engagejustly in political conversation with others.KEYWORDS: Liberalism, communitarianism, deliberative democracy and SouthAfrica.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University