Secularism

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Secularism is a normative doctrine that seeks to realise a secular society - one devoid of either inter-religious or intra-religious domination. Positively, it promotes freedom within religions, and e…

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Inter-religious domination: When members of one religious community are targeted and victimised based on their religious identity by another community. Intra-religious domination: Domination within a …

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A theocratic state is one that is run directly by the heads of a particular religion or priestly order. Examples include the Papal states of medieval Europe and the Taliban-controlled state in Afghani…

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1. Mutual exclusion: State and religion have separate spheres with independent jurisdiction 2. No policy can have exclusively religious rationale 3. No religious classification as basis of public poli…

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Ataturk's secularism involved active intervention in and suppression of religion, not principled distance. Examples: banned the Fez (traditional Muslim cap), encouraged Western clothing, changed Turki…

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1. Arose in context of deep religious diversity that predated Western ideas 2. Equal focus on both inter-religious and intra-religious domination 3. Deals with religious freedom of both individuals an…

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Nehru defined secularism as 'Equal protection by the State to all religions.' He wanted a secular state that 'protects all religions, but does not favour one at the expense of others and does not itse…

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Principled distance means the Indian state maintains a flexible relationship with religion based on constitutional principles. It can either disengage with religion (American style) or engage with it …