Fixing Democracy: Better Rhetoric

The podcast examines the role of argument and rhetoric in democratic politics, questioning whether back-and-forth debate truly distinguishes democracies from authoritarian regimes. Political theorist Alan Finlayson argues that democratic speech should be accessible and open to anyone, shifting the audience/speaker dynamic. He posits that rhetoric's primary purpose is to motivate action and participation in changing the polity, rather than merely articulating truth. The conversation explores how political rhetoric has devolved into advertising, losing sight of collective action and the importance of institutions where meaningful discussions can occur. They also discuss the challenges of contemporary politicians adapting to media demands and the potential of social media to foster genuine debate.