Liberalism and the Problem of Knowledge: A New Rhetoric for Modern Democracy (New Practices of Inquiry) - Hardcover

Willard, Charles Arthur

 
9780226898452: Liberalism and the Problem of Knowledge: A New Rhetoric for Modern Democracy (New Practices of Inquiry)
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0226898458 ISBN 13: 9780226898452
Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1996

Synopsis

In this witty and provocative study of democracy and its critics, Charles Willard debunks liberalism, arguing that its exaggerated ideals of authenticity, unity, and community have deflected attention from the pervasive incompetence of "the rule of experts." He proposes a ground of communication that emphasizes common interests rather than narrow disputes.

The problem of "unity" and the public sphere has driven a wedge between libertarians and communitarians. To mediate this conflict, Willard advocates a shift from the discourse of liberalism to that of epistemics. As a means of organizing the ebb and flow of consensus, epistemics regards democracy as a family of knowledge problems—as ways of managing discourse across differences and protecting multiple views.

Building a bridge between warring peoples and warring paradigms, this book also reminds those who presume to instruct government that they are obliged to enlighten it, and that to do so requires an enlightened public discourse.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author

Charles Willard is professor and chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Louisville.

From the Back Cover

In this witty and provocative study of democracy and its critics, Charles Willard debunks liberalism, arguing that its exaggerated ideals of authenticity, unity, and community have deflected attention from the pervasive incompetence of "the rule of experts". He proposes a ground of communication that emphasizes common interests rather than narrow disputes. The problem of "unity" and the public sphere has driven a wedge between libertarians and communitarians. To mediate this conflict, Willard advocates a shift from the discourse of liberalism to that of epistemics. As a means of organizing the ebb and flow of consensus, epistemics regards democracy as a family of knowledge problems - as ways of managing discourse across differences and protecting multiple views. Building a bridge between warring peoples and warring paradigms, this book also reminds those who presume to instruct government that they are obliged to enlighten it, and that to do so requires an enlightened public discourse.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Publication date
1996
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0226898458
ISBN 13 
9780226898452
Binding
Hardcover
Number of pages
394

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780226898469: Liberalism and the Problem of Knowledge: A New Rhetoric for Modern Democracy (New Practices of Inquiry)

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0226898466 ISBN 13:  9780226898469
Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1996
Softcover