The Two Faces of Democracy: Decentering Agonism and Deliberation

The democratic imagination faces significant challenges, including philosophical questions about core values and practical issues related to current threats to democracy. Mary F. (Molly) Scudder and Stephen K. White present an analysis of the deliberative and agonistic models of democracy, arguing that neither is adequate on its own. They argue for the importance of both models in the current struggle for a healthy democratic future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The democratic imagination is grappling with formidable challenges that transcend philosophical inquiries into the fundamental principles of democratic life and delve into pressing practical concerns related to understanding and confronting the threats to democracy. Those who seek to safeguard democracy against anti-democratic forces find themselves at a crossroads, with differing perspectives on the best approach. Some advocate for a politics that centers around vehement conflict, viewing it as a vital tool in democratic strategies. On the other hand, others assert the necessity of more civil and deliberative approaches, emphasizing the importance of reasoned discussion and fostering mutual understanding.

In their insightful book, "The Two Faces of Democracy," Mary F. (Molly) Scudder and Stephen K. White present an in-depth analysis of these two stances, the deliberative and agonistic models of democracy. They argue that neither model alone is sufficient in addressing the complex challenges facing democracy. The deliberative model emphasizes reasoned discussion, valuing the exchange of ideas and fostering mutual understanding. However, some critics express concerns that this approach may overlook the structural injustices that can distort civil deliberation.

On the other hand, the agonistic model prioritizes contestation and conflict, viewing it as a means to challenge and defeat political antagonists. While this approach may be effective in confronting immediate threats, it raises concerns about the potential erosion of our commitment to normative democratic restraints, such as fairness. Scudder and White argue that these two faces of democratic life each have a significant, but constrained, role to play in a more comprehensive understanding of what our democratic commitments require of us.

In developing their understanding of the moral core of democracy, Scudder and White highlight the tension between these two faces of democratic life. They argue that while conflict is necessary for democratic progress, it should be tempered by a commitment to normative democratic restraints. They advocate for a democratic future that balances both the need for conflict and the importance of civil deliberation, recognizing the importance of both models in the ongoing struggle for a healthy and vibrant democratic society.

"The Two Faces of Democracy" is an original and timely contribution to democratic theory, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing democracy. By illuminating the tensional congruence between these two faces of democracy, Scudder and White argue for the importance of both models in the current struggle for a democratic future that upholds the values of justice, equality, and democracy.

In conclusion, the democratic imagination faces significant challenges, but it is also rich with possibilities. By engaging with the deliberative and agonistic models of democracy, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of what our democratic commitments require of us. Scudder and White's book provides valuable insights into the tension between these two faces of democracy and advocates for a democratic future that balances conflict and civil deliberation, nurturing the values of justice, equality, and democracy.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197623893