Abstract:

It is necessary to evaluate historical developments of secularism and laicism in order to discuss these two concepts in terms of democracy. In this work, it is analyzed that how the concept of secularism evolved to laicism. Nowadays, secularism is widely understood as a concept related to society whereas the laicism is seen as a concept belongs to politics.  Since the subject of opposing positions of religion and state is directly connected to democracy, arguing democracy in the light of these two concepts may include public sphere-private sphere debate. State actions against identity claims of religion is also very important in the sense of democratic character of state. This article tries to explore these topics with regard to history of Western ideas and political culture of the republic. To conclude, it emphasizes the differences between republican, liberal, and constitutional interpretations of laicism.

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