The democratic rule of law in times of cultural wars

an analysis in light of John Rawls

Abstract

In a democratic and pluralistic environment, it is expected that individuals hold different moral, political, and ideological views. However, extreme expressions of these views intensify radicalization and create an environment conducive to hate rhetoric and cult- like mentality, characteristics that undermine the foundations of the Democratic Rule of Law. In this context, the collective becomes the stage for an intense clash, generating tensions that go beyond a mere diversity of opinions and evolve into a threat to stability, social justice, and harmonious coexistence. At this moment, the manifestation of cultural wars is observed—a phenomenon marked by exacerbated ideological polarization, which shifts from a simple confrontation of ideas to the construction of a struggle in favor of the "true good." To understand this phenomenon and its manifestation in Brazil, the article draws on the philosophy of John Rawls, whose theory advocates for a just society founded on freedom, equality, and, above all, pluralism, ensuring space for different expressions of faith and diverse doctrines. In other words, it is argued that individual liberties must be broad enough to allow each person to live according to their convictions and ways of being, but not to the extent of suppressing the rights of others. Finally, the study proposes that the prevalence of reasonableness is essential to uphold the foundations of a democratic society, minimizing the harmful impacts of polarizing and intolerant discourses.