Thinking of multiculturalism

A meeting between Taylor and Kymlicka

Abstract

The aim of this work is to approximate Charles Taylor’s theory and Will Kymlicka’s theory with respect to multiculturalism, especially when liberal and democratic societies are in question. We intend to reflect about the dichotomy between liberals and communitarians by showing how, in many aspects, the theoretical strands in question can be approximated. This will allow us to offer more consistent answers to the multicultural problems that can be summarized in the difficult conciliation between recognition of cultural particularities and the development of normative elements capable of evaluating the most diverse cultural practices. Then we ask: how to balance the recognition of the practices and values most fundamental to a culture with universally valid principles? The article proposes to present a possible solution for thinking about this problem through three theoretical approaches: a) a greater appreciation of the context of choice; b) besides the defense of a soft liberalism; and, finally, c) a new understanding of state neutrality.