Part II, Trial by Text, A Sequence of Sublimation, Chapter 6, The Obliging Shell Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 6, the standard of liberal neutrality comes in for greater assault. Williams' opinions are questioned by a teacher in a continuing education course. In her answers that are reprinted in the book, Williams emphasizes her themes of particularity and concreteness and how neutral classifications dehumanize. Adding race to the picture adds deep complexities in her opinion. In cases of affirmative action, understanding what freedom requires is complex. The paradox of democratic freedom requires enforced equality and affirmative action.

According to Williams, the real concept to consider lies between two ideas of freedom, the liberal and the radical. The liberal understands freedom as freedom of association. On the other hand, the radical wants a socialized evaluation of...