The Gray Area with Sean Illing Late-stage liberalism
38 snips
Nov 27, 2023 
In this engaging discussion, political philosopher John Gray, author of "The New Leviathans", delves into the evolution and challenges facing liberalism today. He examines the legacy of Thomas Hobbes and the decline of liberal thought, revealing its historical failures. Gray explores the implications of far-right movements and the fragmented identity within liberal societies. He also addresses the legitimacy crisis in the West, stressing the need for civil discourse in navigating political strife. It's a thought-provoking conversation on the very future of democracy.
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Liberalism's Decline
- John Gray argues that liberalism is declining, citing geopolitical trends and curtailed freedoms.
- He observes that institutions like universities now police free expression, limiting open discourse.
Core of Liberalism
- Core to liberalism is the idea that rulers serve the governed and lack inherent ruling rights.
- Hobbes embodies this, arguing that obligation to obey dissolves when the sovereign fails to protect.
Hobbesian Liberalism
- Hobbes is considered the first and last great liberal philosopher by some.
- He believed in a limited state purpose but with potentially unlimited power to achieve it, including defining biblical terms for social peace.
