Event Title

Why Can’t We Agree on Anything? Philosophical Roots of Current Political Debate

Department

Philosophy

Location

Henry M. Hogan Campus Center

Start Date

9-4-2016 11:30 AM

End Date

9-4-2016 12:45 PM

Description

Contemporary American politics at the national level is marked by increasing acrimony and legislative gridlock. Surely this must reflect deep philosophical disagreement. Or does it? The roots of almost all contemporary American political views lie in one historical tradition, liberal republicanism, whose benefits and costs have been debated for 200 years in England and America. Historically, the degree of disagreement among major parties and partisans is rather slim. No one suggests shredding the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, the issues we face are far less daunting than those of the mid-twentieth century. So why can’t we seem to agree on anything?

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 9th, 11:30 AM Apr 9th, 12:45 PM

Why Can’t We Agree on Anything? Philosophical Roots of Current Political Debate

Henry M. Hogan Campus Center

Contemporary American politics at the national level is marked by increasing acrimony and legislative gridlock. Surely this must reflect deep philosophical disagreement. Or does it? The roots of almost all contemporary American political views lie in one historical tradition, liberal republicanism, whose benefits and costs have been debated for 200 years in England and America. Historically, the degree of disagreement among major parties and partisans is rather slim. No one suggests shredding the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, the issues we face are far less daunting than those of the mid-twentieth century. So why can’t we seem to agree on anything?