The Bounds of Liberalism : The Fragility of Freedom

The core issue of this work is how far the West may need to modify or extend the liberal philosophy informing its responses to the multiple world crisis it is now attempting to deal with. Coming after the author's "Engaging the Cosmos: Astronomy, Philosophy & Faith" and "The Geography of Human Conflict", this text will complete a trilogy addressing very comprehensively the challenges of our times. It provides a review of the strengths and weaknesses of Social Liberalism that, broadly speaking, occupies the ground between moderate Right and moderate Left. The work is informed by the conviction that the world, half a century hence, will be either considerably better than now (freer, more peaceable, more enriching...) or else a good deal worse. Those concerned to effect the former outcome should promote the spread among emergent states of well-founded democracy. But they must also look stringently at how well democratic institutions may function in the mass societies of the West. History indicates that pell-mell cultural change, constant ecological impoverishment, and endless leap forwards in applied science may not augur well for stability and peace. The author's accepted expertise in History, International Security, Planetary Development and Applied Geophysics means he can address a variety of issues such as: climate change and resource depletion; community decay, data saturation, the future of universities, democratic devolution, leaders and led, and medical philosophy; and biowarfare, the management of Near Space, international currency, and a planetary ethos. It is contended that we are not approaching the "end of History" in any meaningful sense. Instead we are passing through, at accelerated pace, an evolutionary transition as impacting as that between the Old and New Stone Ages. Our perspectives on the immediate future may be honed by free-ranging speculation about what mankind can anticipate over the next few centuries. The central question at the heart of this consideration is how far the West may need to modify or extend the liberal philosophy that informs its responses to the multiple world crises it is currently addressing. The book provides a review of the strengths and weaknesses of a social liberalism that, broadly speaking, occupies the ground between the moderate Right and the moderate Left, and is founded upon the conviction that the world, in 50 years, will be either considerably better than it is currently or else a good deal worse. This study argues that those concerned with ensuring the former outcome should promote the spread of well-founded democracy among emergent states, without forgetting to look stringently at how well democratic institutions may function in the mass societies of the West. The author applies his expertise in history, international security, planetary development, and applied geophysics in discussing issues such as climate change and resource depletion; community decay, data saturation, democratic devolution, and medical philosophy; and biowarfare, international political economy, and a planetary ethos. He argues that humanity is passing through an evolutionary transition as impacting as that between the Old and the New Stone Ages, and that humankind's perspectives on the immediate future may be honed by free-ranging speculation about what it can anticipate over the next few centuries Front Cover About this book About the Author Title Page Copyright Contents Preface The Author Approaches to Analysis Chapter 1: Evolutionary Legacies 1 Our Deeper Past 2 A Northerly Inclination Chapter 2: Whence Social Liberalism? 1 Through the Enlightenment 2 Left versus Right Chapter 3: Testing Experience 1 Planetary Liberalism 2 Distracted by War Chapter 4: The Communist Crash 1 From Marx to Fromm 2 The Cold War Chapter 5: Whither Social Liberalism? 1 Pathways to Prescription 2 Rational or Reasonable Accommodating Science Chapter 6: Digital Deluge Chapter 7: Biology Rampant Chapter 8: The Ultimate Challenges 1 Defended Peace 2 To Here from Eternity Parametric Change Chapter 9: Global Outreach 1 Planetary Horizons 2 Democracy Assertive 3 Currency Management Chapter 10: Elusive Fulfilment 1 Shallow Satisfaction 2 Anomie Chapter 11: Urgent Concerns Holistic Response Chapter 12: Sovereign Governance Chapter 13: Scientific Liberalism Chapter 14: A Liberal Reconnaissance 1 Bodies Politic 2 Planetary Patriotism Chapter 15: Two Tough Centuries? Appendix A Controlled Nuclear Fusion Appendix B Acute Natural Hazards Appendix C The High Seas Index The Core Issue Of This Work Is How Far The West May Need To Modify Or Extend The Liberal Philosophy Informing Its Responses To The Multiple World Crises It Is Now Attempting To Deal With. Approaches To Analysis: Evolutionary Legacies -- Whence Social Liberalism? -- Testing Experience -- The Communist Crash -- Whither Social Liberalism? -- Accommodating Science: Digital Deluge -- Biology Rampant -- The Ultimate Challenges -- Parametric Change: Global Outreach -- Elusive Fulfillment -- Urgent Concerns -- Holistic Response: Sovereign Governance -- Scientific Liberalism -- A Liberal Reconnaissance -- Two Tough Centuries? Neville Brown. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.