Authors: Michael A. Neblo

Project Description: This paper argues that political discourse needs more ad hominem arguments, challenging the view that hypocrisy bolsters liberal democracy. It critiques John Rawls's political liberalism, contending that the theory is vulnerable to the threats of insincerity and hypocrisy. The author proposes that a "strong sincerity constraint" is necessary to preserve the legitimacy of liberal democratic decision-making and that the "public use of reason" must be robust enough to handle questions of motive.

Publication Details: Department of Political Science, Ohio State University (June 2014)

Keywords: Liberalism, Insincerity, Hypocrisy, Public Reason, John Rawls, Ad Hominem

Filters: Working Paper, Political Theory