The Idea of National Identity in Communitarianism
Author: Yi-Huah Jiang
Abstract / Chinese PDF Download
In this essay I examine the idea of national identity as it appeared in the writings of contemporary communitarians Michael Sandel, Alasdair MacIntyre, Michael Walzer and Charles Taylor. Communitarianism generally perceives the self as an “embedded” person who must seek his (her) identity in a particular historical setting. Unlike that of liberalism, the communitarian self is deprived of the right to choose freely his life-plan and community. Accordingly, one gives one’s loyalty to a state not because the political system of that state is just or agreeable, but because it is the bearer of a particular culture. The idea of national identity in communitarianism reminds us of the importance of sentimental belonging for an individual, but it overemphasizes the role of cultural commitment. It tends to limit a person’s power to criticize his own community, and gives easy access to cultural authoritarianism, which will in turn undermine the energy of a plural society. As far as national identity of a modern society is concerned, the communitarian solution is not a good one.