Suspending Politics to Save Democracy
Just political systems secure the means of living satisfying private lives while political saturation crowds out key aspects of a good life.
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Polarization
We’re Overdoing Democracy. But Why?
Society has become so politically-saturated that we’re now overdoing democracy. Here are a few reasons why it undermines our institutions.
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René Girard’s Map to Meaning: We’re All Victim(izer)s
As we try to align ourselves closely with the true victims, René Girard shows how the ancient scapegoat ruse leads us to meaningful compassion.
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If It Looks Like a Duck and Quacks Like a Duck . . . Is It a Religion?
Critics of intersectionality now refer to it as the “social justice faith,” highlighting the religious zeal and dogmatism of its advocates. As religion retreats, its qualifications have widened, continuing the ideologically-motivated practice of redefining what constitutes a religion.
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‘Adversarial’ Humanities Fuel Our Outrage Culture
Literary theorists of the past half-century—who now dominate the humanities—encourage us to assume ill-intentions of one another. This contrasts with the ’empathetic’ humanities, which aim for more understanding and less judging in our daily lives.
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Engaging in Civil Arguments Is Effective Against Extremism
Philosophers are exemplars in disagreeing vehemently but civilly with others. Like them, using these 4 principles can help us have arguments that are effective against extremism.
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How CBT Strengthens Political Life and Untruths That Weaken It
Many in the US are experiencing emotional unwellness, while our foundational institutions are rattling. CBT can help with both.
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‘Awakening the Soul’: One Man’s Challenge to the Post-truth World
A new book protests the postmodernist refutations of shared truth and grand narratives—we struggle because we lack story and soul.
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Shared Reality and Truth Are Losing Ground to Tribalism
People turn to tribalism for a sense of certainty, as trust in institutions and commitment to truth erode. Instead, we need to restore a shared reality which builds common ground, regardless of identity group.
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Agape Restaurants Could Revive Toleration and Multiculturalism
Debates surrounding tribalism and bigotry abound, many focused on biased media or public policy. Agape Restaurants conceptualize food as a cultural force for realizing toleration and nurturing community—all while dining with strangers.
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How Sports Bridge Our Cultural Divisions
The collective joys and sorrows of sports offer a healthy outlet for our tribal natures, and give us a safer space in which we can bridge gaps pertaining to more divisive societal arenas.
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