Citizen Knowledge: Markets, Experts, and the Infrastructure of Democracy

Citizen Knowledge by Lisa Herzog discusses how knowledge should be dealt with in societies that combine a democratic political system with a capitalist economic system. She argues that the fraught relation between democracy and capitalism gets out of balance if too much knowledge is treated according to the logic of markets rather than democracy. Herzog proposes reforms for a more unified and flourishing democratic system that considers the use of knowledge in society as a shared democratic responsibility, supported by epistemic infrastructures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In contemporary democratic societies, a multitude of challenges arise concerning knowledge. These challenges encompass the pervasive spread of fake news, the growing mistrust of experts, and the apprehension of technocratic tendencies. In her book, Citizen Knowledge, Lisa Herzog delves into the intricate dynamics of knowledge in societies that amalgamate democratic political systems with capitalist economic structures. Herzog explores the multifaceted ways in which citizens acquire political knowledge, the mechanisms through which new scientific insights permeate political discourse, and the potential roles that markets can play in the processing of decentralized knowledge.

Drawing from the perspective of democratic institutionalism, Herzog emphasizes the significance of institutions in fostering inclusive and stable democratic lives. She argues that the delicate balance between democracy and capitalism can be disrupted if excessive knowledge is subjected solely to the logic of markets, disregarding the principles of democracy. Complex societies necessitate diverse mechanisms for managing knowledge, with markets, democratic deliberation, and expert communities assuming central roles. Citizen Knowledge underscores the responsibility of knowledge bearers and the imperative of supporting institutions that promote active and informed citizenship. Through this lens, Herzog develops a vision of an egalitarian society where the use of knowledge is not merely a matter of market dynamics but rather a shared democratic responsibility, supported by robust epistemic infrastructures.

Herzog's argument contributes to the emerging field of political epistemology, a subdiscipline of philosophy that focuses on the intricate interplay between economic and political processes. By examining the relationship between knowledge and power, political epistemology seeks to understand how knowledge shapes political decision-making, public policy, and societal outcomes. Citizen Knowledge draws upon both the rich tapestry of historical ideas and systematic arguments about the nature of knowledge to propose reforms aimed at enhancing the unity and flourishing of democratic systems.

In conclusion, Citizen Knowledge offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between knowledge, democracy, and capitalism. Through her insightful analysis and innovative proposals, Herzog provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary democratic societies. By promoting a more inclusive and democratic approach to knowledge management, Herzog contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the future of democracy and the role of knowledge in shaping a more equitable and prosperous world.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 163 x 244 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197681718