In 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions', Thomas S. Kuhn argues that scientific progress does not occur through a gradual accumulation of facts, but rather through periodic revolutions that disrupt existing paradigms. Kuhn introduces the concept of 'normal science' and 'revolutionary science', where normal science involves puzzle-solving within an established paradigm, and revolutionary science involves a paradigm shift that fundamentally changes the way scientists view the world. He explains that these revolutions are driven by the accumulation of anomalies that cannot be explained by the current paradigm, leading to a crisis and eventually a new paradigm that offers a different perspective and new ways of conducting research[1][3][5].
In 'The Public and Its Problems', John Dewey critiques traditional notions of the state and democracy, arguing that a public forms in response to problems and that democracy should be localized to foster genuine community engagement. Dewey also discusses the 'eclipse of the public' due to industrialization and centralization, which complicates the identification of public interests.
In 'Jump-Starting America', Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson argue that the U.S. faces significant challenges in innovation, including a slowdown in productivity growth and regional imbalances. They propose a solution by investing heavily in scientific research, similar to past federal investments that drove economic growth. The authors suggest targeting investments across the country to reduce geographic inequalities and promote broader prosperity.
The Anarchy recounts the remarkable rise of the East India Company from its humble beginnings in 1599 to its military dominance over the Indian subcontinent by 1803. The book details the company's territorial conquests, starting from the Battle of Plassey in 1757, and its eventual control over large swaths of Asia. Dalrymple draws from previously untapped sources, including Indian, Persian, and French materials, to provide a vivid and detailed story of corporate greed, violence, and the fall of the Mughal Empire. The book also explores the broader implications of corporate power and its impact on colonial rule.
Written after his travels in the United States, 'Democracy in America' is a comprehensive study of American society and government. Tocqueville examines the democratic revolution and its impact on American life, discussing topics such as the sovereignty of the people, the role of civil society, the dangers of the tyranny of the majority, and the influence of religion and individualism. The book is a philosophical and political analysis that aims to understand why republican representative democracy succeeded in the United States while failing in other places, and it offers insights into the future of democracy both in America and globally[2][3][4].
In this book, George F. Will provides a richly documented history and argument for a wider embrace of conservative political values. He discusses how the Founders' vision, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, has shaped American political tradition. Will argues that conservatism is under threat from both progressives and elements within the Republican Party, and he critiques the growth of the administrative state, the failure of Congress to exercise its legislative powers, and the erosion of constitutional principles. The book is a deep and sustained reflection on American conservatism, emphasizing the importance of natural rights, limited government, and the transmission of Western historical heritage[2][3][4].
In *The Great Democracy*, Ganesh Sitaraman argues that the only way forward for America is to embrace more democracy. He proposes a three-pillar approach: protecting and extending political democracy, achieving economic democracy by combating inequality, and fostering social solidarity. Sitaraman outlines policies such as compulsory voting, statehood for U.S. territories, and aggressive regulation of big tech to achieve these goals.
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
If Democrats win back power this November, they will be faced with a choice: Leave the existing Supreme Court intact, and watch their legislative agenda — and perhaps democracy itself — be gradually gutted by 5-4 and 6-3 judicial rulings; or use their power to reform the nation’s highest court over fierce opposition by the Republican party.
Ganesh Sitaraman is a former senior advisor to Elizabeth Warren and a law professor at Vanderbilt. He’s also the author of one of the most hotly debated proposals for Supreme Court reform, as well as the fairest and clearest analyst I’ve read regarding the benefits and drawbacks of every other plausible proposal for Supreme Court reform. So in this conversation, we discuss the range of options, from well-known ideas like court packing and term limits to more obscure proposals like the 5-5-5 balanced bench and a judicial lottery system.
But there’s another reason I wanted Sitaraman on the show right now. Supreme Court reform matters — for good or for ill — because democracy matters. In his recent book, The Great Democracy, Sitaraman makes an argument that's come to sit at the core of my thinking, too: The fundamental fight in American politics right now is about whether we will become a true democracy. And not just a democracy in the thin, political definition we normally use — holding elections, and ensuring access to the franchise. The fight is for a thicker form of a democracy, one that takes economic power seriously, that makes the construction of a certain kind of civic and political culture central to its aims.
So this is a conversation about what that kind of democracy would look like, and what it would take to get there – up to and including Supreme Court reform.
References:
Jump-Starting America by Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson
"How to save the Supreme Court" by Daniel Epps and Ganesh Sitaraman
Sitaraman's tweet threads about expanding the court , term limits , the 5-5-5 Balanced bench, lottery approach, supermajority voting requirements, jurisdiction stripping, legislative overrides, and what the best approach is.
Book recommendations:
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn
The Public and Its Problems by John Dewey
The Anarchy by William Dalrymple
Credits:
Producer/Audio wizard - Jeff Geld
Researcher - Roge Karma
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