Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Political Science

Supervisor

Dr. Richard Vernon

Abstract

This thesis examines David Miller’s defence of nationalism. It considers what is termed “the compatriot partiality thesis”, that is, the view that we are justified in giving our compatriots more moral consideration than we give to outsiders. It examines the debate between Miller’s own ethical particularism and the ethical universalist position. Miller’s particularist view rests in part on his view that political theory must embrace a feasibility constraint, and his case for that is examined. Finally, Miller claims that his defence of nationalism is consistent with the endorsement of human rights. The thesis examines his attempt to incorporate an idea of human rights, and concludes that his attempt to do so is inconsistent with his ethical particularism.

Summary for Lay Audience

This thesis examines David Miller’s defence of nationalism. It considers what is termed “the compatriot partiality thesis”, that is, the view that we are justified in giving our compatriots more moral consideration than we give to outsiders. It examines the debate between Miller’s own ethical particularism and the ethical universalist position. Miller’s particularist view rests in part on his view that political theory must embrace a feasibility constraint, and his case for that is examined. Finally, Miller claims that his defence of nationalism is consistent with the endorsement of human rights. The thesis examines his attempt to incorporate an idea of human rights, and concludes that his attempt to do so is inconsistent with his ethical particularism.

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