Strange Multiplicity : Constitutionalism in an Age of Diversity

James Tully examines demands for cultural recognition, involving nationalism, Aboriginal rights, feminism, and ethnic minorities. Modern constitutionalism cannot adjudicate such claims justly. Using a historical and critical approach, Tully instead develops a post-imperial philosophy which, he argues, can bring peace to the twenty-first century.

In the inaugural set of Seeley Lectures, the distinguished political philosopher James Tully addresses the demands for cultural recognition that constitute the major conflicts of today: supranational associations, nationalism and federalism, linguistic and ethnic minorities, feminism, multiculturalism and aboriginal self government. Neither modern nor post-modern constitutionalism can adjudicate such claims justly. However, by surveying 400 years of constitutional practice, with special attention to the American aboriginal peoples, Tully develops a new philosophy of constitutionalism based on dialogues of conciliation which, he argues, have the capacity to mediate contemporary conflicts and bring peace to the twenty-first century. Strange Multiplicity brings profound historical, critical and philosophical perspectives to our most pressing contemporary conflicts, and provides an authoritative guide to constitutional possibilities in a multicultural age.