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?
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?