Mark Joseph Gherardi’s Post

"We do not deny that democracies are in danger. They most certainly are – and have been so for several decades. Yet, we want to forcefully stress that any such danger is not – at least not primarily – due to a withdrawal of truth or reason; rather, it is to be attributed to a deep (and deepening) democratic deficit, which has been propelled and intellectually legitimized by the hegemony of the market, technocracy, and economic reason since at least the 1980s. If we understand the roots of our current democratic deficit solely in terms of a lack of reason and truth, we are not only treated to a poor rendition of our actual state of affairs; we are also left unable to understand the complex historical paths that have led us here." From chapter 9 of our book Post-Truth, Fake News and Democracy

Digital authoritarian practices are expanding worldwide including digital surveillance, disinformation, and internet shutdowns. In this new paper with Marjoke Oosterom, PhD we read all the key papers and summaries the issues. https://lnkd.in/eu2NvucX

University presses play a vital role in publishing works that deepen our understanding of current events, particularly in areas such as democracy and the challenges it faces. By publishing books that foster critical scholarship and diverse philosophical perspectives, Columbia University Press contributes to the ongoing dialogue about political systems, civic engagement, and the forces that threaten democratic institutions. This reading list includes books in political theory that examine democracy from multiple angles—exploring historical contexts of neoliberalism, the far right, current political dynamics, and hope for the future—providing readers with the tools to navigate and engage with today’s complex political landscape. https://buff.ly/49XmKt2 #Politics #Neoliberalism #Far-Right #Immigration #ReadingList

So much of our research on politics involves the digital realm nowadays, and increasingly on how civic and politics rights are being constrained by digital authoritarianism. Pleased to have this paper out now, with Tony Roberts (open access) https://lnkd.in/eiEFQa57

Democracy Through a Thomistic Lens: How does Thomistic philosophy underpin or conflict with democratic ideals? This seminar presents a comprehensive exploration that's not to be missed. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/etvvVNfP

Defending Democracy? Insights from Thomistic Philosophy: This summer, gain a deeper understanding of democratic principles through the rich intellectual tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas. Click for details: https://lnkd.in/etvvVNfP

Ideas Letter Issue 26 https://lnkd.in/euGQgDPY This week thoughts, critiques and musings about terminology (Third world, to developing countries to Global South- what do they all mean and how are the majority of the world considered minorities?); organizing Labour and the tensions with free market theory and the future of social democracy (is this really a 'western construct'?). So many questions.

Come hear my NH Humanities talk at the Pembroke Public Library on January 6: "Why Democracy?" Here's the pitch: "Democracy is taken to be an obvious good. It often seems like the one thing we can agree on in a political debate. After all, only dictators and fools question the value of democracy...right? And yet, the value of democracy has been repeatedly challenged throughout history. Philosophers like Plato and Confucius thought it was a terrible idea, and many contemporary political theorists speculate that democracy may not be as useful or moral as we suppose. For those who believe in the value of democracy – its efficacy and its morality – it is important to analyze, articulate, and explore the arguments in which democracy is grounded."

Democracy Through a Thomistic Lens: How does Thomistic philosophy underpin or conflict with democratic ideals? This seminar presents a comprehensive exploration that's not to be missed. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/etvvVNfP

The International Journal of Human Rights, Peace, and Politics is an independent publishing house dedicated to promoting free speech and ensuring no censorship for authors who speak out against human rights violations, advocate for peace, and navigate the complex world of politics. Our mission is to provide a global platform where individuals from all walks of life can share their stories, voice their truths, and contribute to the discourse on human rights, peace, and politics. We believe in the power of storytelling to drive change, challenge the status quo, and promote a more just and equitable world. Methods of Publication : Our journal features a wide range of content, including but not limited to: - Personal narratives and testimonies from survivors of human rights abuses and conflicts - Analytical pieces and opinion columns on current political events and policies affecting human rights and peace - Research articles and scholarly papers on human rights law, peace studies, and political science - Creative expressions such as poetry, art, and photography that capture the essence of human rights struggles and aspirations for peace We invite scholars, activists, journalists, and storytellers from around the world to join us in this endeavor. DEADLINE : 25th July 2024 #scholars #activists #journalists #storytellers #nocensorship #freespeech #journals #internationaljournal #publication #papers #researchpapers #articles #art