It is only recently that a societal model based on the respect of a plurality of philosophical, religious, and moral perspectives has emerged as the most likely to lead to a harmonious and productive balance between society and its constituent members. A vast consensus has also emerged around the notion that secularism is an essential component of any liberal democracy. But what exactly is a secular society? 

While recent works in social science, law, and philosophy have made great strides in explaining secularism as a mode of governance, there had been little analysis to date of the constitutive principles of secularism – until the publication of this book. 

The authors argue that the two ultimate objectives of secularism are the respect of individuals’ moral equality and the protection of the freedom of conscience and religion. For this reason, secularism must now be grasped within a larger context of the diversity of beliefs and values – religious or other – held by all members of society.

In their book, Maclure and Taylor reflect on the fundamental principles that permit social cooperation within profoundly diverse societies, the application of such principles to the operation of institutions, and the notion of a citizen ethic.