ABSTRACT
By accepting and honoring the independently inclined person and seeking to harness him or her to some social utility, a liberal standard has an advantage over a communal standard in that its prescription is, at least to a degree, realistic. Adherents of a liberal political standard cannot condone the idea, fairly widespread in Western societies and widespread out-side the West that "revolution" may be a desirable event or experience. A liberal standard implies for persons who adhere to it a preference for adopting when in power, and for supporting when not in power, governmental and administrative measures that treat people they affect "liberally", that is, generously, considerately, and honorably. To make clear the difference between a liberal political standard and a communal standard, it is important to identify the reasons or purposes for which persons committed to a communal standard may in particular circumstances–like those in affluent Western societies–sponsor liberal measures.
