Francis Fukuyama, the American political scientist famous for his 'end of history' thesis, debates with British philosopher John Gray, who challenges the notion of universal liberal progress. They discuss how liberalism faces significant threats from both political extremes and explore Russia's difficulties in becoming a democracy after the Cold War. The conversation dives into the implications of the Ukraine crisis, the risks of concentrated power in governance, and evolving challenges like nationalism and identity politics.
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insights INSIGHT
Fukuyama's Definition of Liberalism
Fukuyama defines liberalism as a philosophy based on individual autonomy, equality, and universal human rights.
It emphasizes rule of law, limited government, and a scientific approach to understanding and improving the world.
insights INSIGHT
Gray's Critique of Universal Liberalism
Gray views liberalism as a historical way of life originating from European wars of religion, not a universal philosophy.
He believes that liberalism's claim to universality was seemingly validated by the end of the Cold War but is ultimately a mirage.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mill's Joke
Gray recounts a joke from John Stuart Mill's autobiography about his father's unenthusiastic view of a potentially worthwhile life.
James Mill believed that human life might become worth living if improbable reforms were implemented.
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In 'Social Sciences as Sorcery', Stanislav Andreski delivers a scathing critique of the social sciences, arguing that they often obscure truth with technical jargon and flawed methodologies. Andreski targets prominent theories like structural-functionalism, accusing them of being overly complex and lacking real substance. The book is a call to reform, emphasizing the need for clarity and genuine objectivity in social science research.
The End of History and the Last Man
Francis Fukuyama
In this book, Francis Fukuyama posits that human history is moving towards a state of idealized harmony through the mechanisms of liberal democracy. He argues that liberal democracy is the final form of human government, driven by two powerful forces: the logic of modern science and the struggle for recognition. Fukuyama draws on the philosophical ideas of Hegel and Kojeve, suggesting that liberal democracy meets the economic and psychological needs of humanity, including the desire for recognition and dignity. The book explores the implications of this thesis, including the potential paradox that the satisfaction of basic needs might lead to a lack of outlets for human striving and recognition[2][3][5].
On liberty
John Stuart Mill
Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation[2][3][5].
Difficult Women
Helen Lewis
Following the fall of communism in 1989, American political scientist Francis Fukuyama shot to fame with his thesis about the ‘end of history’ – the idea that the entire world was set on a path towards universal liberalism. But 30 years on, liberalism is under attack from both the Right and the Left – and from Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Professor Fukuyama was joined in conversation by John Gray, the British political philosopher, who rejects the idea of a universal momentum towards liberal values and human progress. Despite the view of many that the Russian invasion of Ukraine marks the end of the post-Cold War era, Fukuyama believes that it is a wake-up call for the West to rekindle the spirit of 1989, while Gray holds that the idea that liberalism will ever triumph is a mirage. Chairing the discussion is the journalist, author and broadcaster, Helen Lewis.
Intelligence Squared 
