Difference­-blind liberalism implies that justice is a matter of treating everyone equally, regardless of their cultural identity. But the rule and exemption approach involves treating members of cultural minorities differently. Hence, a difference­blind liberal will object that the rule and exemption approach is unjust. The arts Past and Present Book 3 Cultural Encounters p. 106.
Over the course of history, the movement of individuals and populations has been a common occurrence. There are instances where these movements were voluntary. In other instances, they were caused by necessity, due to economic hardship and/or wars. The issue of immigrants and refugees in today’s world (Syrian refugees in Germany is a good example to the student) is central and is a heated one. Societies, western and non­-western alike, seem divided over the issue. In the Western world, where most refugees seem to gravitate, the issue of refugees and migrants is often treated from the liberalism lens as these countries are professedly Lockean (after John Locke) in outlook. How does liberalism approach the issue of refugees/migrants and their reception/integration?
In the process of answering the TMA, you should make sure to include the below seven sub questions:
1) How does liberalism view humans and their rights?
2) Does liberalism justify discrimination? If yes, then on what grounds?
3) How does the “rule and exemption approach” approach the issue?
4) How does the “autonomy argument” approach the issue?
5) How does the “unequal impact argument” approach the issue?
6) How does the “argument by analogy” approach the issue?
7) How does the argument by Margalit and Raz approach the issue?
8) What is your reading of liberalism’s approach to the issue of refugees/migrants?
Guidance on Addressing the Topic:
Before you embark on writing the essay, you need to read carefully Book 3 Cultural Encounters (edited by Richard Donson Brown) Unit 3 in order to familiarize yourself with the topic at large and make use of the skills presented in the book when writing your essay. You are strongly advised to consult sources on the topic and widen your knowledge of the topic under consideration, but it is of the utmost importance to document any words or ideas that are not your own. Once you have the material ready, it is advisable that you follow the steps (1­8) indicated in the section above to avoid omitting sub-­questions. Although the topic is most relevant to Unit 3, you should
demonstrate your knowledge of the complexity of the concept of cultural encounters as presented in the all the units to draw lessons and examples from them if need be, and not model your treatment solely after a particular treatment appearing in a single unit.