On civic virtues. William Kymlicka’s instrumental republicanism (in Polish)

Abstract

In considering Will Kymlicka’s critique of Aristotelian republicanism and his own version of instrumental republicanism, I pay special attention to two questions that divide the liberal and republican perspectives. First of all, should we take political participation as an essential form of human life? Secondly, can we admit that virtues should be treated by the state as autotelic elements of the good life? I reach the following conclusions: First, accepting a broad understanding of the political, we need to recognize the necessity of political engagement. Paradoxically, both liberals and republicans agree on this matter. The differences between them are to a large extent a result of different definitions of the terms political, social and private. Secondly, the state’s treating some virtues as intrinsic goods may be desirable and does not have to be in conflict with liberal justice.