

Bonus episode: Can democracy be saved with decency? A public lecture by Scott Stephens
Dec 3, 2024
The lecture delves into the retreat of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism, drawing lessons from past thinkers. It highlights the importance of civility and meaningful relationships, rooted in historical insights. The discussion connects literature, like Camus' 'The Plague', to today's political isolation and moral decline. Language's influence on democracy is examined, stressing the need for respectful discourse. Ultimately, it advocates for reclaiming decency and mutual respect amidst societal challenges, emphasizing our shared humanity.
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Conditions of Democratic Life
- Democracy thrives on communicative spaces between people, not just institutions.
- These spaces allow us to connect as human beings and engage in a shared democratic project.
Internal Threats to Democracy
- Threats to democracy aren't just assaults on institutions, but also a malaise that erodes it from within.
- This erosion happens when intolerance, suspicion, and a lack of decency hinder communication and divide people.
Dewey on Hypocrisy
- John Dewey criticized those who denounced Nazism's intolerance while exhibiting prejudice in their own lives.
- Dewey believed that such hypocrisy undermines democracy by hindering open communication and creating divisions.