Democratic Speech in Divided Times

Drawing on the resources of political theory, epistemology, and philosophy of language, Democratic Speech in Divided Times develops a sustained account of the norms that should govern public discourse in deeply divided circumstances. Should we try to find common ground when we talk to our political opponents, even though they seem unreasonable? Should we refrain from expressing anger, if we want to get things done? How can we use our speech to fight hate speech and disinformation? And is it even possible to speak to ‘the other side,’ in settings where different groups dislike one another, live apart from one another, and don’t know much about one another? By tackling these questions, this book demonstrates that, when governed by the right set of norms, public speech can be a powerful force for good even amidst profound social divisions.