Politics without stories : the liberal predicament / David Ricci, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ricci, David M., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Communication in politics.

Communication in politics--United States.

Right and left (Political science).

Rhetoric--Political aspects.

Storytelling--Political aspects.

Storytelling.

United States.

Storytelling--Political aspects--United States.

Rhetoric--Political aspects--United States.

Rhetoric.

Right and left (Political science)--United States.

Physical Description:

vii, 253 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2016.

Summary:

"Liberal candidates, scholars, and activists mainly promote pragmatism rather than large and powerful narratives - which may be called 'alpha stories' for their commanding presence over time. Alternatively, conservative counterparts to such liberals tend to promote their policy preferences in alpha stories praising effective markets, excellent traditions, and limited government. In this face-off, liberals represent a post-Enlightenment world where many modern people, following Max Weber, are 'disenchanted', while many conservatives, echoing Edmund Burke, cherish stories borrowed from the past. Politics without Stories describes this storytelling gap as an electoral disadvantage for liberals because their campaigning lacks, and will continue to lack, the inspiration and shared commitments that great, long-term stories can provide. Therefore, Ricci argues that, for tactical purposes, liberals should concede their post-Enlightenment skepticism and rally around short-term stories designed to frame, in political campaigns, immediate situations which they regard as intolerable. These may help liberals win elections and influence the course of modern life"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: 1. Political stories; 2. Liberal books; 3. Philosophical impotence; 4. Weber's disenchantment; 5. Dewey's pragmatism; 6. Shklar's fear; 7. Liberal outrage; 8. The list syndrome; 9. The great retreat; 10. What is to be done?

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781107170841

1107170842

9781316621837

1316621839

OCLC:

956947603