Democratic Speech in Divided Times

In contemporary democracies, people from different groups often avoid talking to each other, and when they do, their speech is often filled with rage, hatred, and deception. Democratic Speech in Divided Times argues that we should not give up on the ideal of democratic public speech and develops a sustained account of the norms that should govern public discourse in deeply divided circumstances. It suggests that we should try to find common ground with our political opponents, refrain from expressing anger, use our speech to fight hate speech and disinformation, and is it even possible to speak to the other side in settings where different groups dislike one another.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In an ideal democracy, people from all walks of life would gather to engage in meaningful and respectful political discourse. However, we do not live in an ideal democracy. In contemporary democracies, characterized by deep social divisions, different groups tend to avoid communication with each other. When they do engage, their conversations often devolve into rage, hatred, and deception.

Democratic Speech in Divided Times argues that we should not abandon the ideal of democratic public speech. Drawing on resources from political theory, epistemology, and philosophy of language, this book develops a comprehensive account of the norms that should govern public discourse in deeply divided circumstances.

Should we seek common ground with our political opponents, even when they appear unreasonable? Should we refrain from expressing anger in order to achieve progress? How can we use our speech to combat hate speech and disinformation? And is it possible to engage with the other side in settings where different groups dislike each other, live apart, and have limited knowledge about one another?

Lepoutre addresses these questions and demonstrates that, when guided by the right set of norms, public speech can be a powerful force for good, even amidst profound social divisions.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198869757