# Rationalism, Pluralism, and Freedom **URL:** **By** Jacob T. Levy, Aaron Ross Powell, Trevor Burrus **Published:** July 6, 2015 --- Jacob T. Levy explains the tension between liberal political thought and rationalist suspicion of localized power. This week Jacob T. Levy joins us to discuss his new book, [_Rationalism, Pluralism and Freedom_](http://www.amazon.com/Rationalism-Pluralism-Freedom-Jacob-Levy/dp/0198717148) (2015). Can rationalism and pluralism be reconciled in the liberal tradition? Why not? How much authority is proper for intermediate groups? When does pluralism shift into illiberalism? How can the balance of power between intermediate groups be used to grow the power of a central state? **Show Notes and Further Reading** Montesquieu, [_The Spirit of Laws_](http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Laws-Charles-Baron-Montesquieu/dp/1616405287/) (book)