Patriotism and 'Liberal' Morality

This paper examines the tension between an approach which sees impartiality and the impersonal point of view to be central to morality and an approach which emphasizes special ties (of family, community, etc.). It does so by challenging MacIntyre's claim that a proponent of "impersonal morality" (or "liberal morality") cannot consistently regard patriotism as a virtue. I develop a conception of patriotism which, while replete with particularity, is consistent with impersonal morality and is arguably a virtue.