Case for Democracy in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Governments around the world imposed radical lockdowns of their populations, ignoring centuries of civil freedoms. David Seedhouse explores the psychological biases, distorted risk perceptions, frenetic journalism, disputed science, narrow focus of experts, value judgements, propaganda, invisibility of ethics, and the alarming irrelevance of inclusive democracy that have been features of governmental responses to the covid-19 pandemic. He argues that the chaotic governmental response is the perfect argument for an extensive, participatory democracy that demonstrates practical decision-making by listening to everyone's knowledge and expertise.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 07 October 2020
\n Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
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The world witnessed a sudden and drastic shift when governments implemented radical lockdowns to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, this decision-making raises important questions: why were centuries of civil freedoms disregarded? Where was the ethical and human rights discourse? Why were individuals so easily controlled, and why were those in power willing to exert such control?

In his book, "The Case for Democracy," David Seedhouse delves into the various factors that contributed to this unprecedented response. He explores psychological biases, distorted risk perceptions, frenetic journalism, disputed science, the narrow focus of experts, value judgments masquerading as facts, propaganda, the invisibility of ethics, and the alarming irrelevance of inclusive democracy.

Seedhouse argues that the chaotic governmental response to the pandemic, with little to no attempt to involve the public, presents a compelling argument for an extensive and participatory democracy. Such a democracy would prioritize practical decision-making by valuing the knowledge and expertise of every individual. It is a call to action for us to come together and address the challenges we face as a global community.

The time has come for us to work together to find solutions to the problems we face. We must recognize the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and ethical considerations in our decision-making processes. By embracing democracy and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.

\n Weight: 378g\n
Dimension: 156 x 218 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781529751819\n \n