TPL and Ryerson University present: How Democracies Degenerate

Democracy represents a political ideal: popular self-rule. It envisions a political community of citizens empowered to participate in public life, choose their representatives and determine a common future. Yet the real history of modern democracies involves bitter struggles to extend civil liberties, political rights and social equality, and to expand the boundaries of nations, to realize this ancient ideal. And since our societies create new hierarchies over time, the struggle to empower ordinary citizens against various elites never really ends. Years of progress are often followed by periods of regression. The ideal of democracy can slip away.

What are the sources of degeneration in our democracies today? How are they similar and different from earlier decades? And what can we do to reverse the slide?

The eminent philosopher Charles Taylor, one of Canada’s foremost public intellectuals, explores these questions in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia.

About this event’s guests:
Charles Taylor
Sanjay Ruparelia

This event is co-sponsored by Canadian International Council.

On the Frontlines of Democracy is a new public lecture series to analyze its prospects in the twenty-first century. Around the world, democracies face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect our constitutional democracies in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement and empower public institutions to renew the promise of collective self-rule? And what can Canada offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy, in a spirit of mutual learning, in our post-western world?

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Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Charles Taylor: How Democracies Degenerate