Proseminar (1St-Yr Philosophy Grad Students Only) (401-1-20)

Topic

The Future of Democracy

Instructors

Cristina Lafont
847/491-2550
Kresge 3-441

Meeting Info

Kresge 3438 Philosophy Sem. Rm: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

In this seminar we will examine contemporary conceptions of democracy (pluralist, agonistic, epistocratic, lottocratic, deliberative, etc.) to see how each of them interprets the democratic ideal of self-government and how they propose, in consequence, to organize social and political institutions. We will analyze the distinctive institutional proposals that each of these conceptions offer to help address the many problems that afflict democratic societies. A central question to discuss in the seminar will be the extent to which these proposals could help societies overcome their current democratic deficits or whether they might actually add to the trend of democratic deconsolidation that we are witnessing everywhere and that threatens the future of democracy as we know it.

Learning Objectives

The goals of the seminar are (1) to analyze the different contemporary conceptions of democracy, (2) to explore the conceptual tools that they provide for confronting current threats of democratic deconsolidation, and (3) to deepen the students' understanding of contemporary debates in political philosophy while enhancing their oral debate and writing skills.

Class Materials (Required)

All class materials will be available on Canvas at NO cost to the student.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Philosophy PhD Graduate Students