Global Inequalities, Pluralism and Tolerance

This chapter connects with the debate on social, economic and political inequalities of the world today, which have intensified to a large degree by the processes of globalization and are currently perceived as a problem requiring analysis on many levels. In many societies, these inequalities constitute a major factor in the exclusion of individuals and groups on the grounds of their low economic or social status. The Author provides a comparative analysis of the contemporary liberal theories of social justice and argues that the excessive forms of inequality have to be resolved mainly by use of political means. Perhaps the Rawlsian principle of distributive justice cannot be imposed on all countries in the world, but, as Sen points out, other solutions need to be sought on the basis of democratic rules in which governments are controlled by citizens. Although liberal political philosophy has always emphasized the value of political and economic freedom, as well as tolerance for various cultures and nationalities, in the theories of social justice of Sen and Nussbaum freedom means the opportunity for individuals to develop their capabilities. These liberal theories express a normative message to democratic governments that should reduce and alleviate social and economic inequalities. In their light, it transpires that it is not possible to solve the problem of these different forms of inequalities without changing the current approach to the idea of economic development and human progress, as it requires treating individuals as active persons rather than being subjected to the political and economic processes that are taking place above them. The Author concludes that this also requires international cooperation based on the idea of transnational justice promoting a more equitable and sustainable economic model. Contemporary liberal democracies still seem to offer the appropriate framework to perform actions which are necessary condition of both social progress and world peace.