Doubt and the Demands of Democratic Citizenship

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Doubt and the Demands of Democratic Citizenship
Authors and Contributors      By (author) David R. Hiley
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:198
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenreSocial and political philosophy
ISBN/Barcode 9780521684514
ClassificationsDewey:323.601
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 26 June 2006
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The triumph of democracy has been heralded as one of the greatest achievements of the twentieth century, yet it seems to be in a relatively fragile condition in the United States, if one is to judge by the proliferation of editorials, essays, and books that focus on politics and distrust of government. Doubt and the Demands of Democratic Citizenship explores the reasons for public discontent and proposes an account of democratic citizenship appropriate for a robust democracy. David Hiley argues that citizenship is more than participating in the electoral process. It requires a capacity to participate in the deliberative process with other citizens who might disagree, a capacity that combines deep convictions with a willingness to subject those convictions. Hiley develops his argument by examining the connection between doubt and democracy generally, as well as through case studies of Socrates, Montaigne, and Rousseau, interpreting them in light of contemporary issues.

Author Biography

David R. Hiley is Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Hampshire. He has held administrative academic positions at several North American universities and is the author of Philosophy in Question: Essays on a Pyrrhonian Themes and is co-editor of The Interpretative Turn: Philosophy, Science, and Culture and Richard Rorty.