Editing Abdolkarim Soroush (section)

=== Soroush's political theory ===
Soroush's political theory is in line with the modern tradition from Locke to the framers of the [[American Constitution]]. It portrays human beings as weak and susceptible to temptation, even predation. As such, they need a vigilant and transparent form of government. He believes that the assumption of the innate goodness of mankind, shared by radical utopians from anarchists to Islamic fundamentalists underestimates the staying power of social evil and discounts the necessity of a government of [[checks and balances]] to compensate for the weaknesses of human nature.[https://web.archive.org/web/20060713222849/http://www.kadivar.com/Htm/English/Reviews/reform.htm]

Soroush's political philosophy, as well, remains close to the heart of the liberal tradition, ever championing the basic values of reason, liberty, freedom, and democracy. They are perceived as "primary values," as independent virtues, not handmaidens of political maxims and religious dogma. Soroush entwines these basic values and beliefs in a rich tapestry of Islamic primary sources, literature, and poetry.[https://web.archive.org/web/20060713222849/http://www.kadivar.com/Htm/English/Reviews/reform.htm]