Jeffrey Green
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195372649
- eISBN:
- 9780199871711
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195372649.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter demonstrates how a plebiscitarian commitment to a politics of candor shapes a distinctive approach to reforming democratic institutions. Sections 6.2 through 6.5 explore the consequences ...
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This chapter demonstrates how a plebiscitarian commitment to a politics of candor shapes a distinctive approach to reforming democratic institutions. Sections 6.2 through 6.5 explore the consequences of making candor the primary value in democratic reform, by analyzing three practices of contemporary mass democracy: leadership debates, public inquiries of leaders, and press conferences. Section 6.6 concludes by summarizing the logic of putting candor first.Less
This chapter demonstrates how a plebiscitarian commitment to a politics of candor shapes a distinctive approach to reforming democratic institutions. Sections 6.2 through 6.5 explore the consequences of making candor the primary value in democratic reform, by analyzing three practices of contemporary mass democracy: leadership debates, public inquiries of leaders, and press conferences. Section 6.6 concludes by summarizing the logic of putting candor first.
Jeffrey Green
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195372649
- eISBN:
- 9780199871711
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195372649.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This concluding chapter addresses the important question of how plebiscitarianism ought to be reconciled with traditional norms of participatory citizenship. Because the plebiscitarian principle of ...
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This concluding chapter addresses the important question of how plebiscitarianism ought to be reconciled with traditional norms of participatory citizenship. Because the plebiscitarian principle of candor regulates leaders instead of everyday citizens — and because it refers to how leaders ought to appear, rather than how they are to decide the most pressing issues of the day — certain readers will object that plebiscitarianism is irresponsible or, in any case, of limited significance to citizens committed to using whatever influence they possess to serve and improve the common good. In response to these concerns, the chapter explains how plebiscitarian ethics plays three different roles for three distinct types of citizens. It supplies an ethical perspective to the passive spectator, supplements the ethical perspective of the active partisan, and supplants the ethical perspective of the democrat committed to popular sovereignty (redefining popular sovereignty in terms of candor rather than self-legislation). One's reception of plebiscitarianism depends, then, on a certain degree of self-knowledge about the type of citizen that one is.Less
This concluding chapter addresses the important question of how plebiscitarianism ought to be reconciled with traditional norms of participatory citizenship. Because the plebiscitarian principle of candor regulates leaders instead of everyday citizens — and because it refers to how leaders ought to appear, rather than how they are to decide the most pressing issues of the day — certain readers will object that plebiscitarianism is irresponsible or, in any case, of limited significance to citizens committed to using whatever influence they possess to serve and improve the common good. In response to these concerns, the chapter explains how plebiscitarian ethics plays three different roles for three distinct types of citizens. It supplies an ethical perspective to the passive spectator, supplements the ethical perspective of the active partisan, and supplants the ethical perspective of the democrat committed to popular sovereignty (redefining popular sovereignty in terms of candor rather than self-legislation). One's reception of plebiscitarianism depends, then, on a certain degree of self-knowledge about the type of citizen that one is.
János Kornai
- Published in print:
- 1992
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198287766
- eISBN:
- 9780191596551
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198287763.003.0018
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic Systems
This chapter discusses political liberalization as one of the real reforming tendencies of classical socialism. Aspects addressed are the monopoly of power, the easing of repression, constant and ...
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This chapter discusses political liberalization as one of the real reforming tendencies of classical socialism. Aspects addressed are the monopoly of power, the easing of repression, constant and variable elements in the official ideology, the seeds of pluralism, opening towards the capitalist world, and change in the scale of publicity and candour. The limits to political reform are discussed.Less
This chapter discusses political liberalization as one of the real reforming tendencies of classical socialism. Aspects addressed are the monopoly of power, the easing of repression, constant and variable elements in the official ideology, the seeds of pluralism, opening towards the capitalist world, and change in the scale of publicity and candour. The limits to political reform are discussed.
Jeffrey Brand-Ballard
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195342291
- eISBN:
- 9780199867011
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195342291.003.0016
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter addresses two basic questions about implementing selective optimization: (1) to what extent should judges disclose or conceal the fact that they selectively optimize, and (2) are judges ...
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This chapter addresses two basic questions about implementing selective optimization: (1) to what extent should judges disclose or conceal the fact that they selectively optimize, and (2) are judges psychologically capable of internalizing selective optimization? It considers some familiar sexual orientation cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, including Lawrence v. Texas and Romer v. Evans. It is argued that some of Justice Antonin Scalia’s dissenting arguments demand a response and that selective optimization offers one. The chapter argues that although judges have a pro tanto duty of candor, this duty is often overridden in suboptimal-result cases. It is sometimes permissible, therefore, for judges to advance fallacious legal arguments without admitting it—for them to deviate surreptitiously. Some implications of selective optimization for the treatment of precedent are explored, as is the relationship between selective optimization and Cass Sunstein’s judicial minimalism. Finally, recognizing that consciously obeying selective optimization may be psychologically impossible for some judges, the chapter considers the possibility of unreflective judicial conformity to selective optimization.Less
This chapter addresses two basic questions about implementing selective optimization: (1) to what extent should judges disclose or conceal the fact that they selectively optimize, and (2) are judges psychologically capable of internalizing selective optimization? It considers some familiar sexual orientation cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, including Lawrence v. Texas and Romer v. Evans. It is argued that some of Justice Antonin Scalia’s dissenting arguments demand a response and that selective optimization offers one. The chapter argues that although judges have a pro tanto duty of candor, this duty is often overridden in suboptimal-result cases. It is sometimes permissible, therefore, for judges to advance fallacious legal arguments without admitting it—for them to deviate surreptitiously. Some implications of selective optimization for the treatment of precedent are explored, as is the relationship between selective optimization and Cass Sunstein’s judicial minimalism. Finally, recognizing that consciously obeying selective optimization may be psychologically impossible for some judges, the chapter considers the possibility of unreflective judicial conformity to selective optimization.
Thomas L. Carson
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199577415
- eISBN:
- 9780191722813
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199577415.003.0015
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, General
Honesty is generally regarded as a cardinal virtue. In order to assess this conventional wisdom the chapter examines the arguments of several dissenters who reject it. Some argue that as lying and ...
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Honesty is generally regarded as a cardinal virtue. In order to assess this conventional wisdom the chapter examines the arguments of several dissenters who reject it. Some argue that as lying and deception are frequently justified in certain spheres of life/activity, honesty is not a virtue (in those spheres). We need to distinguish between what, for lack of better terms, this chapter calls “honesty in a negative sense” (having a strong principled disinclination to tell lies or deceive others) and “honesty in a positive sense,” which (in addition to involving being disinclined to tell lies or deceive others) involves being candid, open, and willing to reveal information. The chapter argues that honesty in the negative sense (or something that closely resembles it) is a cardinal virtue in ordinary circumstances, but often honesty in the positive sense is not a virtue. The chapter also identifies spheres of activity in which candor and openness are virtues.Less
Honesty is generally regarded as a cardinal virtue. In order to assess this conventional wisdom the chapter examines the arguments of several dissenters who reject it. Some argue that as lying and deception are frequently justified in certain spheres of life/activity, honesty is not a virtue (in those spheres). We need to distinguish between what, for lack of better terms, this chapter calls “honesty in a negative sense” (having a strong principled disinclination to tell lies or deceive others) and “honesty in a positive sense,” which (in addition to involving being disinclined to tell lies or deceive others) involves being candid, open, and willing to reveal information. The chapter argues that honesty in the negative sense (or something that closely resembles it) is a cardinal virtue in ordinary circumstances, but often honesty in the positive sense is not a virtue. The chapter also identifies spheres of activity in which candor and openness are virtues.
Gerald Holton
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195172256
- eISBN:
- 9780199835546
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195172256.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
In the pursuit of research and in the reporting of their results, the individual scientist as well as the community of fellow professionals relies implicitly on the researcher embracing the habit of ...
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In the pursuit of research and in the reporting of their results, the individual scientist as well as the community of fellow professionals relies implicitly on the researcher embracing the habit of truthfulness, a main pillar of the ethos of science. Failure to adhere to the twin imperatives of candor and integrity will be adjudged intolerable and, by virtue of science’s self-policing mechanisms, rendered the exception to the rule. Yet both as philosophical concepts and in practice, candor and integrity are complex, difficult to define clearly, and difficult to convey easily to those entering scientific careers. Therefore, it is useful to present operational examples of two major scientists, P.W. Bridgman (known for operationalism) and Niels Bohr (noted for his principle of complementarity), who exemplified devotion to candor and integrity in scientific research.Less
In the pursuit of research and in the reporting of their results, the individual scientist as well as the community of fellow professionals relies implicitly on the researcher embracing the habit of truthfulness, a main pillar of the ethos of science. Failure to adhere to the twin imperatives of candor and integrity will be adjudged intolerable and, by virtue of science’s self-policing mechanisms, rendered the exception to the rule. Yet both as philosophical concepts and in practice, candor and integrity are complex, difficult to define clearly, and difficult to convey easily to those entering scientific careers. Therefore, it is useful to present operational examples of two major scientists, P.W. Bridgman (known for operationalism) and Niels Bohr (noted for his principle of complementarity), who exemplified devotion to candor and integrity in scientific research.
H. Jefferson Powell
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226677255
- eISBN:
- 9780226677309
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226677309.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
While many recent observers have accused American judges—especially Supreme Court justices—of being too driven by politics and ideology, others have argued that judges are justified in using their ...
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While many recent observers have accused American judges—especially Supreme Court justices—of being too driven by politics and ideology, others have argued that judges are justified in using their positions to advance personal views. Advocating a different approach—one that eschews ideology but still values personal perspective—this book makes a case for the centrality of individual conscience in constitutional decision making. The book argues that almost every controversial decision has more than one constitutionally defensible resolution. In such cases, it goes on to contend, the language and ideals of the Constitution require judges to decide in good faith, exercising what he calls the constitutional virtues: candor, intellectual honesty, humility about the limits of constitutional adjudication, and willingness to admit that they do not have all the answers. The book concludes that the need for these qualities in judges—as well as in lawyers and citizens—is implicit in our constitutional practices, and that, without them, judicial review would forfeit both its own integrity and the credibility of the courts themselves.Less
While many recent observers have accused American judges—especially Supreme Court justices—of being too driven by politics and ideology, others have argued that judges are justified in using their positions to advance personal views. Advocating a different approach—one that eschews ideology but still values personal perspective—this book makes a case for the centrality of individual conscience in constitutional decision making. The book argues that almost every controversial decision has more than one constitutionally defensible resolution. In such cases, it goes on to contend, the language and ideals of the Constitution require judges to decide in good faith, exercising what he calls the constitutional virtues: candor, intellectual honesty, humility about the limits of constitutional adjudication, and willingness to admit that they do not have all the answers. The book concludes that the need for these qualities in judges—as well as in lawyers and citizens—is implicit in our constitutional practices, and that, without them, judicial review would forfeit both its own integrity and the credibility of the courts themselves.
Christopher Reid
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199581092
- eISBN:
- 9780191745621
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199581092.003.0007
- Subject:
- Literature, 18th-century Literature, European Literature
Beginning with Aristotle's insight that the speaker's character (ethos) ‘is almost, so to speak, the most authoritative form of persuasion', this chapter looks at the various manifestations and uses ...
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Beginning with Aristotle's insight that the speaker's character (ethos) ‘is almost, so to speak, the most authoritative form of persuasion', this chapter looks at the various manifestations and uses of character in the eighteenth-century House of Commons. The construction (and also the undermining) of the speaker's character in the House is considered with close attention to the debates reported by Sir Henry Cavendish, and with reference to the thinking of contemporary rhetorical theorists such as George Campbell. Arguing that parliamentary character is always deeply coloured by the context of debate, the chapter examines these contests for character against a background of sharpening party divisions and shifting conceptions of political morality. It concludes with the use of the important but unstable eighteenth-century idea of candour in ethical appeals, as exemplified by the parliamentary career of Lord North.Less
Beginning with Aristotle's insight that the speaker's character (ethos) ‘is almost, so to speak, the most authoritative form of persuasion', this chapter looks at the various manifestations and uses of character in the eighteenth-century House of Commons. The construction (and also the undermining) of the speaker's character in the House is considered with close attention to the debates reported by Sir Henry Cavendish, and with reference to the thinking of contemporary rhetorical theorists such as George Campbell. Arguing that parliamentary character is always deeply coloured by the context of debate, the chapter examines these contests for character against a background of sharpening party divisions and shifting conceptions of political morality. It concludes with the use of the important but unstable eighteenth-century idea of candour in ethical appeals, as exemplified by the parliamentary career of Lord North.
Andrew Bradstock
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199599776
- eISBN:
- 9780191738340
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199599776.003.0015
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies, Theology
This chapter presents a critical overview of ‘public theology,’ recognizing that, although the term is new, what it describes reflects the historic calling of the Christian church to seek to make a ...
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This chapter presents a critical overview of ‘public theology,’ recognizing that, although the term is new, what it describes reflects the historic calling of the Christian church to seek to make a positive difference in the world. Three characteristics of public theology are highlighted: (i) its wish to ‘gift’ (rather than impose) its contribution to the public square; (ii) the wealth of resources upon which it may draw, including scripture; and (iii) its concern to communicate effectively in a secular context without diminishing the distinctiveness of its input. The view (identified with political liberalism) that only value-free language be permitted in public discourse is challenged, and the argument advanced that all participants in such discourse should be free to practise ‘confessional candour’. The chapter concludes that public theology is not just about informing or deepening public debate, but about inspiring action.Less
This chapter presents a critical overview of ‘public theology,’ recognizing that, although the term is new, what it describes reflects the historic calling of the Christian church to seek to make a positive difference in the world. Three characteristics of public theology are highlighted: (i) its wish to ‘gift’ (rather than impose) its contribution to the public square; (ii) the wealth of resources upon which it may draw, including scripture; and (iii) its concern to communicate effectively in a secular context without diminishing the distinctiveness of its input. The view (identified with political liberalism) that only value-free language be permitted in public discourse is challenged, and the argument advanced that all participants in such discourse should be free to practise ‘confessional candour’. The chapter concludes that public theology is not just about informing or deepening public debate, but about inspiring action.
Marco Piccolino and Nicholas J. Wade
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199554355
- eISBN:
- 9780191766978
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199554355.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Vision
A significant moment was when Galileo succeeded in refuting the idea of an essential difference between the physical laws regulating the terrestrial and celestial world. This was a fundamental tenet ...
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A significant moment was when Galileo succeeded in refuting the idea of an essential difference between the physical laws regulating the terrestrial and celestial world. This was a fundamental tenet of Aristotelian physics and Galileo addressed it through light reflection from the surface of earth and moon. The classical conception assumed that the moon reflects light in a mirror-like way because of the supposed perfection of its surface. In contrast, Galileo showed that the reflection from the moon is of a diffuse type like that from irregular surfaces. He argued that the earth is capable of reflecting sunlight and illuminates the dark zone of the moon. In addition, Galileo made recourse to a thought experiment to demonstrate that earthshine is more powerful than the moonshine.Less
A significant moment was when Galileo succeeded in refuting the idea of an essential difference between the physical laws regulating the terrestrial and celestial world. This was a fundamental tenet of Aristotelian physics and Galileo addressed it through light reflection from the surface of earth and moon. The classical conception assumed that the moon reflects light in a mirror-like way because of the supposed perfection of its surface. In contrast, Galileo showed that the reflection from the moon is of a diffuse type like that from irregular surfaces. He argued that the earth is capable of reflecting sunlight and illuminates the dark zone of the moon. In addition, Galileo made recourse to a thought experiment to demonstrate that earthshine is more powerful than the moonshine.
Harriet Guest
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199686810
- eISBN:
- 9780191767067
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686810.003.0007
- Subject:
- Literature, 18th-century Literature, Women's Literature
This chapter introduces some of the main themes of the book. It discusses the importance of the relation between candour and humanity in the arguments of Adam Smith and Adam Ferguson, and considers ...
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This chapter introduces some of the main themes of the book. It discusses the importance of the relation between candour and humanity in the arguments of Adam Smith and Adam Ferguson, and considers their implications for the dispute between William Godwin and John Thelwall over the relative merits of public oratory, conversation, or the printed word. It links these arguments to the concerns over the commercialisation of literature and the author’s relation to an increasingly inclusive readership, and introduces the discussion of the importance of sentiment to women writers in this context.Less
This chapter introduces some of the main themes of the book. It discusses the importance of the relation between candour and humanity in the arguments of Adam Smith and Adam Ferguson, and considers their implications for the dispute between William Godwin and John Thelwall over the relative merits of public oratory, conversation, or the printed word. It links these arguments to the concerns over the commercialisation of literature and the author’s relation to an increasingly inclusive readership, and introduces the discussion of the importance of sentiment to women writers in this context.
Terry Southern
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781496803382
- eISBN:
- 9781496806789
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781496803382.003.0024
- Subject:
- Literature, American, 20th Century Literature
This chapter reviews William Faulkner's 1929 novel As I Lay Dying, the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her family's journey to a cemetery in Jefferson, Mississippi. Addie's husband and five ...
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This chapter reviews William Faulkner's 1929 novel As I Lay Dying, the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her family's journey to a cemetery in Jefferson, Mississippi. Addie's husband and five children, carrying her body in a coffin in a wagon, encounter various difficulties along the way. The chapter first discusses humor in existentialist literature before focusing on the absurd in As I Lay Dying. It also considers protagonists in English fiction who all possess candor and a sense of the absurd, including Jimmy Porter, Sebastian Dangerfield, Charles Lumley, Billy Liar, and Larry Vincent. It argues that the “grotesque” in Faulkner is not ordinarily read as humorous because the highly personalized style tends to obscure it.Less
This chapter reviews William Faulkner's 1929 novel As I Lay Dying, the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her family's journey to a cemetery in Jefferson, Mississippi. Addie's husband and five children, carrying her body in a coffin in a wagon, encounter various difficulties along the way. The chapter first discusses humor in existentialist literature before focusing on the absurd in As I Lay Dying. It also considers protagonists in English fiction who all possess candor and a sense of the absurd, including Jimmy Porter, Sebastian Dangerfield, Charles Lumley, Billy Liar, and Larry Vincent. It argues that the “grotesque” in Faulkner is not ordinarily read as humorous because the highly personalized style tends to obscure it.
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804758079
- eISBN:
- 9780804768467
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804758079.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
This chapter discusses Operation Candor and peace in Korea. Operation Candor tried to develop a speech or a series of speeches for the president to deliver. President Dwight Eisenhower could not ...
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This chapter discusses Operation Candor and peace in Korea. Operation Candor tried to develop a speech or a series of speeches for the president to deliver. President Dwight Eisenhower could not publicly discuss Operation Candor and its goals due to the possible eliciting of excessive fear, and was promoting his defensive vision of permanent security against a perpetual threat by employing the language of liberal internationalism. In addition, he depended on “The Chance for Peace” speech's image of peace through negotiations in order to make his appeal persuasive. In early August, the president asserted “two precious victories” in Korea. If the poor of Korea and the world did not trust liberal capitalism to raise their standard of living, they would turn to communism, and peace, by Eisenhower's definition, would thereafter be impossible.Less
This chapter discusses Operation Candor and peace in Korea. Operation Candor tried to develop a speech or a series of speeches for the president to deliver. President Dwight Eisenhower could not publicly discuss Operation Candor and its goals due to the possible eliciting of excessive fear, and was promoting his defensive vision of permanent security against a perpetual threat by employing the language of liberal internationalism. In addition, he depended on “The Chance for Peace” speech's image of peace through negotiations in order to make his appeal persuasive. In early August, the president asserted “two precious victories” in Korea. If the poor of Korea and the world did not trust liberal capitalism to raise their standard of living, they would turn to communism, and peace, by Eisenhower's definition, would thereafter be impossible.
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804758079
- eISBN:
- 9780804768467
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804758079.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
This chapter concentrates on one great speech, “Atoms for Peace.” The so-called New Look in the U.S. approach to the world was determined by new economic, political, geopolitical, and military ...
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This chapter concentrates on one great speech, “Atoms for Peace.” The so-called New Look in the U.S. approach to the world was determined by new economic, political, geopolitical, and military realities, and was also the strategy and discourse of apocalypse management. Its policies would preserve the discourse of national insecurity, and its most conspicuous characteristic was nuclearization of military policy. To attain its strategic goals, the New Look depended on its linguistic promise of “massive retaliation.” It is noted that the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower was gearing up to its most famous image of cooperation—“Atoms for Peace”—while the New Look was being developed. The speech, which was born from the unforeseen conjunction of the New Look and Operation Candor, had to aim at evoking greater cold war fear at home while keeping that fear at a controlled level because it had came out of Operation Candor.Less
This chapter concentrates on one great speech, “Atoms for Peace.” The so-called New Look in the U.S. approach to the world was determined by new economic, political, geopolitical, and military realities, and was also the strategy and discourse of apocalypse management. Its policies would preserve the discourse of national insecurity, and its most conspicuous characteristic was nuclearization of military policy. To attain its strategic goals, the New Look depended on its linguistic promise of “massive retaliation.” It is noted that the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower was gearing up to its most famous image of cooperation—“Atoms for Peace”—while the New Look was being developed. The speech, which was born from the unforeseen conjunction of the New Look and Operation Candor, had to aim at evoking greater cold war fear at home while keeping that fear at a controlled level because it had came out of Operation Candor.
Andrew Dobson
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- April 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199682447
- eISBN:
- 9780191762901
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199682447.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter locates ‘listening’ in contemporary democratic theory by looking at the rise of ‘sensory’ democracy and of non-ideal democratic theorizing. The somewhat pessimistic tenor of some recent ...
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This chapter locates ‘listening’ in contemporary democratic theory by looking at the rise of ‘sensory’ democracy and of non-ideal democratic theorizing. The somewhat pessimistic tenor of some recent democratic theory is rejected in favour of the argument that listening can renew democratic theory and practice. The relationship between listening and power is discussed, with listening regarded as an active rather than a passive sense. Jeffrey Green’s idea of ‘candour’ as a regulative idea is critically discussed and the idea of ‘dialogic democracy’ is introduced. Finally, a ‘species-based’ reason for why listening as concept and practice has been so studiously ignored by political theorists is offered. Aristotle’s claim that ‘man’ is a political animal, and that what makes him political is his capacity for speech, has had an enduring influence on how we conceive the currency of political intercourse. Listening changes the nature of this currency and therefore our understanding of politics itself.Less
This chapter locates ‘listening’ in contemporary democratic theory by looking at the rise of ‘sensory’ democracy and of non-ideal democratic theorizing. The somewhat pessimistic tenor of some recent democratic theory is rejected in favour of the argument that listening can renew democratic theory and practice. The relationship between listening and power is discussed, with listening regarded as an active rather than a passive sense. Jeffrey Green’s idea of ‘candour’ as a regulative idea is critically discussed and the idea of ‘dialogic democracy’ is introduced. Finally, a ‘species-based’ reason for why listening as concept and practice has been so studiously ignored by political theorists is offered. Aristotle’s claim that ‘man’ is a political animal, and that what makes him political is his capacity for speech, has had an enduring influence on how we conceive the currency of political intercourse. Listening changes the nature of this currency and therefore our understanding of politics itself.
James Edwin Mahon
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- November 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198743965
- eISBN:
- 9780191866791
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198743965.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The traditional way of stating the common view of the moral asymmetry between keeping secrets and lying is that keeping secrets is prima facie morally permissible, whereas lying is prima facie ...
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The traditional way of stating the common view of the moral asymmetry between keeping secrets and lying is that keeping secrets is prima facie morally permissible, whereas lying is prima facie morally wrong. This chapter argues that the correct way of stating the common view is that both keeping secrets and lying are prima facie morally wrong, but lying is worse than keeping secrets, all things being equal. The author draws upon the work of Thomas Nagel and compares candor, non-acknowledgment, informativeness, and reticence with secrecy, and compares secrecy with deception and lying. It is argued that keeping secrets must be distinguished from being reticent, and that understood this way, it is clear that it is prima facie wrong to keep secrets. Having the correct way of stating the common view of the moral asymmetry between keeping secrets and lying will allow us to evaluate the common view.Less
The traditional way of stating the common view of the moral asymmetry between keeping secrets and lying is that keeping secrets is prima facie morally permissible, whereas lying is prima facie morally wrong. This chapter argues that the correct way of stating the common view is that both keeping secrets and lying are prima facie morally wrong, but lying is worse than keeping secrets, all things being equal. The author draws upon the work of Thomas Nagel and compares candor, non-acknowledgment, informativeness, and reticence with secrecy, and compares secrecy with deception and lying. It is argued that keeping secrets must be distinguished from being reticent, and that understood this way, it is clear that it is prima facie wrong to keep secrets. Having the correct way of stating the common view of the moral asymmetry between keeping secrets and lying will allow us to evaluate the common view.
Kent Greenawalt
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199756155
- eISBN:
- 9780190297527
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199756155.003.0005
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law
Given the multiplicity and complexity of standards of possible interpretation, is it possible to attain neutral principles or objective standards? For this inquiry, one can focus on what judges write ...
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Given the multiplicity and complexity of standards of possible interpretation, is it possible to attain neutral principles or objective standards? For this inquiry, one can focus on what judges write in their opinions, their likely actual bases for determination, or what one might ideally do with a particular legal conflict. Since Justices within a majority typically afford considerations somewhat different weight, it is impossible for even a majority opinion that is as accurate as possible to capture exactly what all those joining the opinion rely upon. If one asks about the possibility of a neutral or objective approach for a single, completely candid Justice, the reality that considerations carry different weight in different contexts undermines a successful general formulation. Lying in the background is the disagreement over whether, unlike factual judgments, difficult moral and political judgments have objective answers.Less
Given the multiplicity and complexity of standards of possible interpretation, is it possible to attain neutral principles or objective standards? For this inquiry, one can focus on what judges write in their opinions, their likely actual bases for determination, or what one might ideally do with a particular legal conflict. Since Justices within a majority typically afford considerations somewhat different weight, it is impossible for even a majority opinion that is as accurate as possible to capture exactly what all those joining the opinion rely upon. If one asks about the possibility of a neutral or objective approach for a single, completely candid Justice, the reality that considerations carry different weight in different contexts undermines a successful general formulation. Lying in the background is the disagreement over whether, unlike factual judgments, difficult moral and political judgments have objective answers.
