Political Grammars: The Unconscious Foundations of Modern Democracy

To embrace democracy and live together in peace, we need to be a people, or populus, and understand the distinction between personal identity and subjectivity. This distinction is critical to understanding the nature of nations whose sense of nationhood does not rest on any self-evident identity or pre-existent cultural or ethnic homogeneity. Democracy thrives when the opening between subjectivity and identity is maintained.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 296 pages
\n Publication date: 06 April 2021
\n Publisher: Stanford University Press
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In order to fully comprehend the concept of democracy and foster harmonious coexistence, it is essential to delve into the question of whether we need to be a people, known as a populus, to embrace this political system. If so, what precisely constitutes a populus? Is it merely a synonym for a nation, or does it encompass a more profound essence?

To address these inquiries, this book by Davide Tarizzo takes up the challenge of defining modern democratic, liberal peoples. It explores the key aspects of their identity, their enduring nature, and the ways in which they can be distinguished from one another. Tarizzo proposes that Jacques Lacan's theory of the subject offers a valuable framework for understanding the distinction between personal identity and subjectivity. This distinction, he argues, holds significant importance in comprehending the nature of nations whose sense of nationhood is not rooted in self-evident identities or pre-existing cultural or ethnic homogeneity among individuals.

In developing his argument, Tarizzo draws upon historical examples, such as the American Declaration of Independence of 1776 and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen of 1789. These documents serve as landmarks in the history of political thought and provide valuable insights into the birth and rise of modern peoples. Through the lens of political grammar, Tarizzo introduces the concept of the conditions that enable the emergence of a collective we. He argues that democracy thrives when there is a maintained opening between subjectivity and identity.

Moreover, Tarizzo compellingly demonstrates that depending on the political grammar at work, democracy can be perceived as a continuous process of recovery from a lack of clear national identity. He explores how different political systems, with varying degrees of openness between subjectivity and identity, shape the nature of democratic processes and the development of national identities.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of democracy and the role of the populus in fostering harmonious coexistence. Tarizzo's analysis provides valuable insights into the complexities of modern democratic societies and sheds light on the factors that contribute to the formation and evolution of nations. By examining the relationship between personal identity, subjectivity, and national identity, Tarizzo offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of democratic politics and the potential for social transformation.

\n Weight: 394g\n
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781503615311\n \n