Philosophy Café: Is Political Polarization in Democratic Societies a Sign of Civilization Colapse?

Event Details

  • When: Jan 25, 2024 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Where: Student Lounge, 1st Floor, CBU Library

Join us on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 2:30-4:00pm at the Student Lounge located on the first floor of the library for another edition of Philosophy Café. This time, we explore the question, “Is political polarization in democratic societies a sign of civilization colapse?” with CBU’s Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies, James Gerrie.

 

Are social media and populists like Donald Trump the main causes of the increasing political polarization in democratic societies? Or is some other deep factor at work? Historian Joseph Tainter’s theory of societal collapse provides an alternative explanation of political polarization. That explanation challenges many of the assumptions of contemporary social commentators and suggests some radical approaches to addressing the political challenges of our time.