What Does Democracy Demand of Us?
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, join us to explore this vital question.
Available spots
Service Description
This course examines the responsibilities and challenges of citizenship through an engaging mix of literature, essays, and short stories. We will read Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here, a dystopian novel exploring the fragility of democracy in the face of authoritarianism, N.K. Jemisin's short story “The Ones Who Stay and Fight”, which delves into the moral complexities and sacrifices required to maintain a just society, and Hannah Arendt's essay “Civil Disobedience” from her collection Crisis of the Republic, offering a philosophical perspective on the role of civil disobedience in upholding democratic principles. In our discussions, we will tackle essential questions such as: How can we recognize and resist the rise of authoritarianism in a democratic society? What are the moral and ethical responsibilities of citizens in a democracy? When is civil disobedience justified, and what are its limits? How do individual actions contribute to the health and sustainability of a democracy? Join us in exploring what democracy demands of us as we approach a pivotal moment in our nation's history.
Upcoming Sessions
Contact Details
Steeplejack Brewing Company, NE Broadway, Portland, OR, USA
mary@premiseinstitute.com