Reviving Democracy: Twenty-First Century Challenges

Featuring Professor Michele M. Moody-Adams

The Joseph L. Strauss Professor of Political Philosophy and Legal Theory at Columbia University

John Dewey defended a galvanizing ideal of liberal democracy in 1939,  just as democracy was greatly endangered across the globe.  Twenty-first century democracies are once again in existential danger, and many of Dewey’s insights about how to defend democracy against its authoritarian enemies continue to ring true.  This presentation explores the twenty-first century implications of Dewey’s most prescient insights about how to prevent partisan polarization, strengthen trust in democratic institutions,  develop individual commitment to a robust democratic civic ethos.   The argument will also draw on related ideas from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Jean Paul Lederach and Paul Farmer.

This event is open to the public. Boxed lunches will be available prior to the lecture. Registration is not required. If you have any questions or special assistance needs, please contact the Office of Events at lawevents@law.uchicago.edu.