Montesquieu’s Religious Particularism: A Regime-Specific Account of Pluralism

• In Event: Reading Montesquieu

Abstract

Montesquieu is a thinker of liberal constitutionalism who has been interpreted as defending a view of political particularism and a more capacious version of liberalism—one where liberty can be consistent with different regime types. In addition to being a regime pluralist, Montesquieu has been recognized as a defender of religious pluralism and toleration, who advocates for religion to be tolerated on account of its political utility. This paper analyzes the normative connection between these two aspects of Montesquieu’s thought. How should we read Montesquieu’s views on religion in light of his political particularism and argument for regime-plurality? Drawing on his major works—The Spirit of the Laws and The Persian Letters—this paper contends that Montesquieu provides an account of religious pluralism and toleration that is sensitive to differences in regime type. Montesquieu’s political particularism suggests that religious pluralism might ultimately take different forms depending on the type of regime. Just as the laws and institutions of a state must suit the specific characteristics of a nation and people, the content and scope of religious pluralism might have to be adapted in accordance with the distinctiveness of the regime.

Author

• Wan Ning Seah, Duke University