Beyond Empathy and Inclusion: The Challenge of Listening in Democratic Deliberation

Political theorists view deliberation as a crucial act of democratic citizenship, and efforts to enhance it have focused on designing more inclusive procedures. Beyond Empathy and Inclusion argues that listening is a key responsibility of democratic citizenship and can be used defensively to protect against threats to democracy. Mary F. Scudder offers a systematic theory of listening acts to explain the democratic force of listening, recognizing the moral equality of voice and ensuring we have a say in the laws to which we are held.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Political theorists view deliberation, which involves communication and debate among citizens, as a fundamental aspect of democratic citizenship. The legitimacy of a decision goes beyond the mere count of votes; it also hinges on the quality of the deliberation that precedes voting. Efforts to improve the quality of deliberation have focused on developing more inclusive procedures or encouraging citizens to be more introspective and empathetic. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains questionable.

In his book, Beyond Empathy and Inclusion, author Mary F. Scudder delves into the prospects of democracy in a world where citizens often exhibit a lack of interest or willingness to engage across social distances and disagreements. The book specifically examines how our practices of listening impact the quality and democratic potential of deliberation. Scudder presents a systematic theory of listening acts, drawing inspiration from speech act theory, to explain the democratic force of listening. According to Scudder's listening act theory, the act of listening itself holds democratic significance, regardless of the outcomes that result from it. By engaging in active listening to our fellow citizens, we recognize their moral equality of voice and ensure that we have a say in the laws that govern us.

The book also addresses timely questions regarding the boundaries of toleration and listening in a democratic society. For instance, do we owe listening even to democracy's adversaries? After all, a virtue of democratic citizenship is the ability to resist political movements that seek to undermine democracy. Despite these challenges and risks, Scudder argues that listening is a crucial responsibility of democratic citizenship and explores how listening can be employed defensively to safeguard against threats to democracy.

Through his comprehensive analysis, Scudder demonstrates that listening is not just a passive act but a proactive one that can strengthen democratic institutions and promote mutual understanding. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, openness, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue as means to enhance the quality of deliberation and foster a more inclusive and democratic society.

In conclusion, Beyond Empathy and Inclusion offers a valuable perspective on the role of listening in democratic citizenship. By exploring the democratic force of listening and addressing the challenges and risks associated with it, the book provides insights into the prospects of democracy in a world that is increasingly characterized by social divisions and disagreements. Scudder's systematic theory of listening acts and his practical recommendations for enhancing the quality of deliberation offer valuable tools for policymakers, educators, and citizens alike in their efforts to promote a more inclusive and democratic society.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 234 x 152 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197757413