Michael Furstein

Michael Furstein, Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College and author of *Experiments in Living Together*, explores the complex interplay between democracy and social progress. He discusses how democracy serves as an experiment in moral cognition, emphasizing the roles of social environments in shaping empathy. Furstein highlights the swift moral changes around same-sex marriage and the historical milestones of the gay rights movement. He also addresses the vulnerabilities of democracy, emphasizing the importance of community-building to combat polarization.