Liberalism and the Problem of Knowledge: A New Rhetoric for Modern Democracy (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780226898469)

In this witty and provocative study of democracy and its critics, Charles Willard debunks liberalism, arguing that its exaggerated ideals of authenticity, unity, and community have deflected attention from the pervasive incompetence of "the rule of experts." He proposes a ground of communication that emphasizes common interests rather than narrow disputes.

The problem of "unity" and the public sphere has driven a wedge between libertarians and communitarians. To mediate this conflict, Willard advocates a shift from the discourse of liberalism to that of epistemics. As a means of organizing the ebb and flow of consensus, epistemics regards democracy as a family of knowledge problems--as ways of managing discourse across differences and protecting multiple views.

Building a bridge between warring peoples and warring paradigms, this book also reminds those who presume to instruct government that they are obliged to enlighten it, and that to do so requires an enlightened public discourse.


Author: Charles Arthur Willard
ISBN-10: 0226898466
ISBN-13: 9780226898469
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Language: English
Published: 08/01/1996
Pages: 394
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.19lbs
Size: 9.00h x 5.99w x 0.86d