A Pragmatist Philosophy of Democracy (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy) [Hardcover]

Robert B. Talisse (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415770882 | ISBN-13: 978-0415770880 | Publication Date: July 1, 2007 | Edition: 1

In recent years there has been a renewed interest in American pragmatism. In political philosophy, the revival of pragmatism has led to a new appreciation for the democratic theory of John Dewey.

In this book, Robert B. Talisse advances a series of pragmatic arguments against Deweyan democracy. Particularly, Talisse argues that Deweyan democracy cannot adequately recognize pluralism, the fact that intelligent, sincere, and well-intentioned persons can disagree sharply and reasonably over moral ideals. Drawing upon the epistemology of the founder of pragmatism, Charles S. Peirce, Talisse develops a conception of democracy that is anti-Deweyan but nonetheless pragmatist. Talisse then brings the Peircean view into critical conversation with contemporary developments in democratic theory, including deliberative democracy, Rawlsian political liberalism, and Richard Posner’s democratic realism. The result is a new pragmatist option in democratic theory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With clarity and force, Talisse's immensely readable book briskly acquaints readers with the complex theories necessary to grappling with issues worth caring about. While meticulously attentive to pertinent scholarship, Talisse is never pedantic or jargonistic. He educates the reader by reiterating exactly the premises necessary to move his theses ahead. By the end, the reader feels a real stake in the questions and answers posed; I cannot recommend PPD highly enough."--Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"Talisse’s book is a smart contribution to several different discussions in political theory, and is well worth a serious read."-- Political Theory

"I love the way Talisse writes philosophy. He is one of my heroes, and his book will prove to be a major player in subsequent discussions." --Richard M. Gale, University of Pittsburgh, Professor Emeritus

 

 

About the Author

Robert B. Talisse is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, USA., and is also author of Democracy After Liberalism.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415770882
• ISBN-13: 978-0415770880
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #532,429 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert B. Talisse is Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Vanderbilt University. He writes about political philosophy, with special interest in democratic theory, liberalism, pluralism, and social epistemology. In his 2009 book, *Democracy and Moral Conflict* (Cambridge University Press), Talisse argues that there are shared epistemic principles underlying even our most vehement moral disputes, and that these principles are robust enough to sustain democratic commitments despite deep moral conflicts. In 2011, Talisse and frequent co-author Scott Aikin published *Reasonable Atheism* (Prometheus), which argues that religious believers must regard atheism as a morally sound and intellectually respectable position. In his most recent book, *Pluralism and Liberal Politics* (Routledge, 2012), Talisse argues that pluralism is a nonviable conception of morality and is in any case incapable of supporting any attractive vision of liberal politics.

Talisse is currently working on a book with Scott Aikin about public political argumentation. Other projects include a book-length overview of political philosophy for Routledge and a book about offensiveness. Talisse is co-host of the podcast, *New Books in Philosophy*, and a monthly columnist for the blog *3 Quarks Daily*.