Political passions play a central role in contemporary democracies. Yet political theory neglects the passions or conceives them as dangers to democracy. This unit asks: What are democracy's emotional foundations? It considers the way the passions might support citizens' commitment to equality, respect and social inclusion. It investigates how 'positive' emotions such as compassion sustain or build democratic civil solidarity; the possibilities of recuperating 'negative' emotions such as shame and resentment so that they do not engender extremism or political violence; and the role of democratic political leaders, institutions and movements in mobilising and responding to the passions. -- Course Website
Instructor: Dr. Michael Ure
