The existing philosophical debate in pornography regulation is between liberals and radical feminists. However, this debate is currently stuck in a position where neither side is willing to...Show moreThe existing philosophical debate in pornography regulation is between liberals and radical feminists. However, this debate is currently stuck in a position where neither side is willing to incorporate the other side's concerns. This thesis aims to further this debate by viewing the debate from a new lens. It argues that neo-republicanism, specifically their understanding of freedom as non-domination, is a useful way of understanding the effects of pornography. Through this analysis, this thesis aims to assess whether pornography regulation is justifiable in a neo-republican approach.Show less
Philip Pettit’s modern republican theory is a fundamental project, which seeks to rearrange the system of social and political institutions in order to provide and defend freedom as non-domination....Show morePhilip Pettit’s modern republican theory is a fundamental project, which seeks to rearrange the system of social and political institutions in order to provide and defend freedom as non-domination. The thesis examines Pettit’s idea of contestatory democracy as the basic means of promoting freedom as non-domination in the republic. The paper argues that within Pettit’s framework the rights to political participation are turned into duties. Due to this fact, the republican conditions create a disadvantaged position for certain groups and individuals, who find political participation absolutely unacceptable for themselves. The thesis concludes that this disadvantaged position can be considered as dominated in Pettit’s own terms. This conclusion questions the overall success of the project designed for provision of freedom as non-domination.Show less
