Liberalism in Practice

The Psychology and Pedagogy of Public Reason

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Liberalism in Practice by Olivia Newman, The MIT Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Olivia Newman ISBN: 9780262327565
Publisher: The MIT Press Publication: February 27, 2015
Imprint: The MIT Press Language: English
Author: Olivia Newman
ISBN: 9780262327565
Publisher: The MIT Press
Publication: February 27, 2015
Imprint: The MIT Press
Language: English

An argument that draws on empirical findings in psychology to offer a blueprint for cultivating a widespread commitment to public reason.

At the core of liberal theory is the idea—found in thinkers from Hobbes to Rawls—that the consent of the governed is key to establishing political legitimacy. But in a diverse liberal polity like the United States, disagreement runs deep, and a segment of the population will simply regard the regime as illegitimate. In Liberalism in Practice, Olivia Newman argues that if citizens were to approach politics in the spirit of public reason, couching arguments in terms that others can reasonably accept, institutional and political legitimacy would be enhanced.

Liberal theory has relied on the assumption of a unified self, that individuals are unified around a single set of goals, beliefs, attitudes, and aptitudes. Drawing on empirical findings in psychology, Newman argues instead that we are complex creatures whose dispositions and traits develop differently in different domains; we hold different moral commitments in different parts of our lives. She argues further that this domain differentiation allows us to be good liberal citizens in the public domain while remaining true to private commitments and beliefs in other domains. Newman proposes that educational and institutional arrangements can use this capacity for differentiation to teach public reason without overwhelming conflicting commitments. The psychology and pedagogy of public reason proposed by Newman move beyond John Rawls's strictly political liberalism toward what Newman terms practical liberalism. Although we cannot resolve every philosophical problem bedeviling theories of liberalism, we can enjoy the myriad benefits of liberalism in practice.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

An argument that draws on empirical findings in psychology to offer a blueprint for cultivating a widespread commitment to public reason.

At the core of liberal theory is the idea—found in thinkers from Hobbes to Rawls—that the consent of the governed is key to establishing political legitimacy. But in a diverse liberal polity like the United States, disagreement runs deep, and a segment of the population will simply regard the regime as illegitimate. In Liberalism in Practice, Olivia Newman argues that if citizens were to approach politics in the spirit of public reason, couching arguments in terms that others can reasonably accept, institutional and political legitimacy would be enhanced.

Liberal theory has relied on the assumption of a unified self, that individuals are unified around a single set of goals, beliefs, attitudes, and aptitudes. Drawing on empirical findings in psychology, Newman argues instead that we are complex creatures whose dispositions and traits develop differently in different domains; we hold different moral commitments in different parts of our lives. She argues further that this domain differentiation allows us to be good liberal citizens in the public domain while remaining true to private commitments and beliefs in other domains. Newman proposes that educational and institutional arrangements can use this capacity for differentiation to teach public reason without overwhelming conflicting commitments. The psychology and pedagogy of public reason proposed by Newman move beyond John Rawls's strictly political liberalism toward what Newman terms practical liberalism. Although we cannot resolve every philosophical problem bedeviling theories of liberalism, we can enjoy the myriad benefits of liberalism in practice.

More books from The MIT Press

Cover of the book Synesthesia by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book The Shared World by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Mindmade Politics by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Logic Primer by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Anxiety and the Equation by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Is the Universe a Hologram? by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book The Outsourcer by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Mapping Israel, Mapping Palestine by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Solar Revolution by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Rogue Archives by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book The Dash—The Other Side of Absolute Knowing by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Paid by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Digital Methods by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book The Theory of Collusion and Competition Policy by Olivia Newman
Cover of the book Good Green Jobs in a Global Economy by Olivia Newman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy