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Democracy and Difference
The global trend toward democratization of the last two decades has been accompanied by the resurgence of various politics of "identity/difference." From nationalist and ethnic revivals in the countries of east and central Europe to the former Soviet Union, to the politics of cultural separatism in Canada, and to social movement politics in liberal western-democracies, the negotiation of identity/difference has become a challenge to democracies everywhere. This volume brings together a group of distinguished thinkers who rearticulate and reconsider the foundations of democratic theory and practice in the light of the politics of identity/difference.
In Part One Jürgen Habermas, Sheldon S. Wolin, Jane Mansbridge, Seyla Benhabib, Joshua Cohen, and Iris Marion Young write on democratic theory. Part Two--on equality, difference, and public representation--contains essays by Anne Phillips, Will Kymlicka, Carol C. Gould, Jean L. Cohen, and Nancy Fraser; and Part Three--on culture, identity, and democracy--by Chantal Mouffe, Bonnie Honig, Fred Dallmayr, Joan B. Landes, and Carlos A. Forment. In the last section Richard Rorty, Robert A. Dahl, Amy Gutmann, and Benjamin R. Barber write on whether democracy needs philosophical foundations.
In Part One Jürgen Habermas, Sheldon S. Wolin, Jane Mansbridge, Seyla Benhabib, Joshua Cohen, and Iris Marion Young write on democratic theory. Part Two--on equality, difference, and public representation--contains essays by Anne Phillips, Will Kymlicka, Carol C. Gould, Jean L. Cohen, and Nancy Fraser; and Part Three--on culture, identity, and democracy--by Chantal Mouffe, Bonnie Honig, Fred Dallmayr, Joan B. Landes, and Carlos A. Forment. In the last section Richard Rorty, Robert A. Dahl, Amy Gutmann, and Benjamin R. Barber write on whether democracy needs philosophical foundations.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 1996
About the author
Seyla Benhabib
59 books66 followersSeyla Benhabib is a Turkish Jewish professor of political science and philosophy at Yale, and director of the program in Ethics, Politics, and Economics, and a well-known contemporary philosopher. She previously taught in the departments of philosophy at Boston University, SUNY Stony Brook, the New School for Social Research, and the Department of Government at Harvard University.
She is the author of several books, most notably about the philosophers Hannah Arendt and Jürgen Habermas. She has also worked with many important philosophers and scholars, including Herbert Marcuse. Benhabib is well known for combining critical theory with feminist theory.
She is the author of several books, most notably about the philosophers Hannah Arendt and Jürgen Habermas. She has also worked with many important philosophers and scholars, including Herbert Marcuse. Benhabib is well known for combining critical theory with feminist theory.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 3, 2013
1996 was a while ago, but this anthology's ambitions are long term and still needed. Taken together, the authors argue convincingly that social difference (class, race, gender, sexuality, culture) is the unstable ground of a more robust democracy: one that aims to solve problems rather than *only* to protect interests.
March 12, 2024
Seyla Benhabib presents a deliberative model of democratic legitimacy, emphasizing rational discourse and procedure over contestation and emotion. This model prioritizes reasoned discussion among citizens to reach consensus on political decisions. Benhabib argues for the importance of inclusive public deliberation in achieving democratic legitimacy. She suggests that this deliberative approach fosters a sense of political community and addresses concerns about the limits of citizen participation. Deliberative democracy, according to Benhabib, offers a framework for creating policies that all citizens can accept as legitimate. Iris Marion Young discusses the concept of "Communication and the Other" as part of her exploration of democratic theory. She emphasizes the importance of inclusive political communication, advocating for a communicative model of democracy where decision-making involves all affected parties. Young challenges the traditional view of deliberation aiming solely for consensus, instead valuing diverse voices and perspectives. She proposes a communicative democracy that transcends the limitations of interest-based politics, focusing on genuine dialogue and understanding among citizens. By prioritizing inclusive democratic communication, Young aims to keep politics central to democratic processes. Chantal Mouffe, in her work on "Democracy, Power, and the 'Political'," delves into the concept of the "political" as a realm of antagonism and conflict. She rejects the idea of consensus and instead emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging and engaging with the inherent conflicts within society. Mouffe argues that liberal democracy overlooks these fundamental conflicts, leading to a democratic paradox. Her work underscores the importance of providing institutional frameworks within democracy to manage and channel these conflicts without resorting to violence. Overall, Mouffe's perspective challenges the prevailing notion of consensus-driven politics, advocating for a more confrontational and agonistic approach that recognizes the inevitability of political conflict. Fred Dallmayr explores the intersection of democracy and multiculturalism, advocating for an understanding that transcends traditional Western paradigms. His work delves into the ethical aspects of Confucian democracy, offering a postmodern reconceptualization that challenges conventional notions. Dallmayr's contributions extend to global challenges and responsibilities for justice, emphasizing a nuanced perspective on war and self-determination. He advocates for comparative political theory that moves beyond monologue towards a more inclusive discourse. Overall, Dallmayr's work highlights the importance of incorporating diverse cultural perspectives into democratic theory and practice. Carlos Forment's work delves into the concept of peripheral peoples and narrative identities, particularly through an Arendtian lens, reflecting on late modernity. He explores the socio-political dynamics and identity formations of marginalized communities, shedding light on their narratives and experiences within broader societal contexts. This examination provides insights into the complexities of identity construction and the interplay between individual narratives and collective identities. Forment's analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of social marginalization and the role of narrative in shaping the identities of peripheral peoples. Robert Dahl's work on democratic theory and democratic experience explores the mechanisms and principles of democracy. He examines the functioning of democratic systems and the experiences of individuals within them. Finally, Benjamin Barber explores the relationship between foundationalism and democracy, emphasizing the importance of foundational principles in sustaining democratic governance. His work delves into the following key points: 1) Critique of Foundationalism: Barber challenges the concept of foundationalism, which posits that democratic systems require fixed, immutable principles for legitimacy. 2) Dynamic Nature of Democracy: He argues that democracy is inherently dynamic and evolves over time, suggesting that rigid foundational principles may hinder its adaptability. 3) Democratic Pluralism: Barber advocates for democratic pluralism, wherein diverse perspectives and values coexist within a democratic framework, without the need for rigid foundationalism. 4) Practical Implications: His insights have practical implications for democratic governance, encouraging a more flexible and inclusive approach that accommodates diverse viewpoints. Barber's examination of foundationalism and democracy contributes to ongoing debates about the nature of democratic governance and the role of foundational principles within it.
November 24, 2023
Dated but I would say still an interesting tool.
July 10, 2013
If you're interested in contemporary democratic theory, this anthology is a very important resource. If you're interested in deliberative democracy specifically, it's essential reading. Yes, it's dated. Still crucial. The quality of the essays are uneven, but that's not really because any of them really suck - it's because some of them, as another review put it, are classics.
June 6, 2009
Crucial and important collection: Essays by Habermas, Wolin, Fraser, Benhabib, Cohen, and Young have all become classics. Honig and Carlos Ferment have very strong pieces as well. There are a few throwaways (Barber).
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews