New Books in Intellectual History William Sweet, "Before and After Democracy: Philosophy, Religion, and Politics" (Peeters, 2023)
5 snips
Feb 12, 2025 William Sweet, Professor and chair at St. Francis Xavier University, is an expert in intercultural philosophy and human rights. He discusses his book, which explores the origins of liberal democracy and the role of religion in shaping democratic theory. Sweet delves into the tension between contemporary democratic values and religious traditions, highlighting diverse contributions from philosophy and theology. He discusses the Barletta Declaration, advocating for intercultural dialogue, and examines the intricate relations between democracy, religion, and philosophical thought.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Influences
- Will Sweet's interest in philosophy, religion, and politics started in secondary school.
- Early exposure to Jesuit education and political involvement shaped his intellectual journey.
Barletta Declaration
- Will Sweet helped draft the Barletta Declaration, a philosophical statement for the 2024 G7 summit.
- It focused on interculturality and conviviality, emphasizing exchange and learning between cultures.
Before and After Democracy
- The book "Before and After Democracy" explores democracy's origins and its contemporary relationship with religion.
- It examines the shift from classical philosophy's negative view of democracy to its current status as a model.