Solution of Chapter 8. Secularism (Political Theory Book)

Which of the following do you feel are compatible with the idea of secularism? Give reasons.

A. Absence of domination of one religious group by another.

B. Recognition of a state religion.

C. Equal state support to all religions.

D. Mandatory prayers in schools.

E. Allowing separate educational institutions for any minority community.

F. Appointment of temple management bodies by the government.

G. Intervention of state to ensure entry of Dalits in temples.

Some of the key characteristics of western and Indian model of secularism have got mixed up. Separate them and make a new table.

What do you understand by secularism? Can it be equated with religious tolerance?

Do you agree with the following statements? Give reasons for supporting or opposing any of them.

A. Secularism does not allow us to have a religious identity.

B. Secularism is against inequality within a religious group or between different religious groups.

C. Secularism has a western-Christian origin. It is not suitable for India.

Indian secularism focuses on more than the religion-state separation. Explain.

Explain the concept of principled distance.