A01=Linda M. G. Zerilli
Arendt
Argumentation
Author_Linda M. G. Zerilli
Category=QD
Category=QDTK
Citizens
Civic
Consensus
Contestation
Critique
Debate
Deliberation
Dialogue
Disagreement
Discourse
Dissent
Diversity
Engagement
Epistemology
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
Foucault
Freedom
Ideology
Interpretation
Judgment
Knowledge
Objectivity
Opinion
Participation
Perspective
Philosophy
Plurality
Political
Power
Reasoning
Reflection
Relativism
Responsibility
Rhetoric
Skepticism
Subjectivity
Wittgenstein
Product details
- ISBN 9780226839042
- Weight: 399g
- Dimensions: 152 x 229mm
- Publication Date: 21 Apr 2025
- Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Paperback
Secure
checkout
Fast Shipping
Easy returns
A critique of the concept of truth presupposed by the post-truth debate—and a bold new vision for a more pluralistic citizenry.
We say that we live in a “post-truth” era because disinformation threatens our confidence in the existence of a shared public world. Affirming objective truth may, therefore, seem necessary to save democracy. According to political theorist Linda M. G. Zerilli, such affirmation can stifle political debate and silence dissent. In fact, Zerilli argues that the unqualified insistence on objective truth is as dangerous for democracy as denying it.
Drawing on Arendt, Foucault, and Wittgenstein, A Democratic Theory of Truth challenges the concept of truth presupposed by the post-truth debate. It argues that we, the people, have an essential role in discovering and evaluating any truth relevant to the political realm. The result is a striking defense of plurality, dissent, and opinion in contemporary democratic societies.
We say that we live in a “post-truth” era because disinformation threatens our confidence in the existence of a shared public world. Affirming objective truth may, therefore, seem necessary to save democracy. According to political theorist Linda M. G. Zerilli, such affirmation can stifle political debate and silence dissent. In fact, Zerilli argues that the unqualified insistence on objective truth is as dangerous for democracy as denying it.
Drawing on Arendt, Foucault, and Wittgenstein, A Democratic Theory of Truth challenges the concept of truth presupposed by the post-truth debate. It argues that we, the people, have an essential role in discovering and evaluating any truth relevant to the political realm. The result is a striking defense of plurality, dissent, and opinion in contemporary democratic societies.
Linda M. G. Zerilli is the Charles E. Merriam Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and professor of gender and sexuality studies at the University of Chicago. She is the author of three books, including A Democratic Theory of Judgment, also published by the University of Chicago Press.
