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Maintaining a liberal democratic society is a challenging but essential endeavor. Yet, many Western institutions of higher learning seem to have lost sight of what makes liberal democracy one of the most effective ways to organize a society. Academic discourse often emphasizes relentless criticism of Western culture, frequently drawing on Marxist or Marcusean frameworks that prioritize deconstructing its flaws.
Criticism is a vital component of any open society, but it cannot be the sole lens through which we view our cultural system. Moreover, this critique often targets only the West, while other cultures and societal systems are overlooked or excused, often due to perceived historical grievances like colonialism. Over time, academia and other cultural institutions—such as universities, media, and public policy circles—have developed an almost boundless capacity for self-criticism. What’s often missing is a balanced perspective: an acknowledgment of the West’s strengths, such as its unparalleled commitment to individual autonomy and freedom of thought.To address this imbalance, we need tools to evaluate whether societal critiques strengthen or undermine liberal democracy. Two principles from Jonathan Rauch’s Kindly Inquisitors offer a powerful framework for this evaluation:
- No one has the last say on anything (the principle of open-ended inquiry, where no authority can definitively settle a matter, and all claims are subject to challenge and revision).
- No one gets to say who gets to speak (the principle of equal access to the marketplace of ideas, where everyone has the right to express their views without being silenced by authority).
When assessing an argument or movement, ask: Does it uphold these principles? For example, does a critique seek to shut down debate by declaring certain ideas off-limits, or does it invite open challenge? Does it exclude voices based on ideology, or does it allow all perspectives to compete in the marketplace of ideas? If the answer is no to either question, the argument may be more about unraveling the fabric of liberal society than improving it.
By applying Rauch’s principles, we can discern whether a critique is constructive or destructive. This approach not only protects the open inquiry that defines liberal democracy but also ensures that we celebrate its strengths while addressing its flaws.
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The book Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought by Jonathan Rauch is available in various formats. You can find it through the following sources:
- Publisher’s Website: The University of Chicago Press, which publishes the expanded edition (2013), provides details and purchasing options: University of Chicago Press – Kindly Inquisitors.
- Amazon: Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats: Amazon – Kindly Inquisitors.
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