The Recurring Paradox of Groups in the Liberal State

A much-noted contradiction of liberal theory is its tolerance of illiberal individuals and groups. This is an apparent consequence of the foundational premise of liberalism, that consensus on the good life is not achievable in conditions of religious and moral pluralism. Without consensus on a single substantive conception of the good, it follows that all such conceptions should be tolerated unless they harm the lives, liberties, or property of others. The liberal state, in other words, is procedural rather than substantive.