Limitless pluralism or single-minded authoritarianism? Examining deliberative democracy and agonistic pluralism through Foucault’s notions of power and discourse
Keywords
Loading...
Authors
Issue Date
2020-10-20
Language
nl
Document type
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Title
ISSN
Volume
Issue
Startpage
Endpage
DOI
Abstract
This thesis examines Jürgen Habermas’ theory of deliberative democracy and Chantal Mouffe’s theory of agonistic pluralism and radical democracy in light of Foucault’s definitions of power. This research effort claims that both theories are not as different as Habermas and especially Mouffe argue them to be. Both have similar points of departure, both discuss a similar dichotomy in liberal democracy, and both propose a framework which cannot definitively close the door on single-minded authoritarianism. When truth is considered contingent, democracy cannot be considered necessary. Ultimately, this thesis argues that the appeal for liberal democracy could only be secured when we make the system pay, at least it terms of freedom.
Description
Citation
Supervisor
Faculty
Faculteit der Filosofie, Theologie en Religiewetenschappen