Toleration of Shiite Muslims by the Liberal State

Abstract

This chapter examines the Practical Reconcilability Proposition with respect to the liberal state and Shiite Muslim citizens by looking at how the former tolerates the latter. The next chapter will be devoted to examining this proposition by looking at the grounds on which the liberal state is acceptable to Shiite Muslim citizens. First, an examination will be made to create a list of the protections, freedoms, and opportunities that the Millian liberal state appears to offer Shiite Muslim citizens. Then, a similar exploration will be made with regard to the protections, freedoms, and opportunities that the Rawlsian liberal state appears to provide for Shiite Muslims. It should be emphasized that my concern is not with real liberal states at a given time. This would be an empirical judgment that would require undertaking surveys regarding some specific liberal societies. Rather, since this book is a philosophical research, I am concerned with what Millian and Rawlsian ideal liberal states are expected to provide for their citizens.