TAC: Aristopopulism During Holy Week

TAC:

“Notre Dame political philosophy professor Patrick J. Deneen gave a lecture in March titled “Aristopopulism: A Political Proposal for America.” In the talk (available here), Deneen described our current political paradigm as pitting “an increasingly corrupt elite against an increasingly coarse and angry populace.” Both of these, Deneen observed, are “morally adrift and engaged in politics as an assertion of power.”

Deneen’s suggested solution to this is a return to “classical political theory,” which proposed that “only an appropriately mixed regime”—in other words, a society that appreciates inherent goods in both elites and commoners—can “correct and even elevate the shortcomings of an opposing faction.” Such a dynamic demands that both elites and populists be “well-formed,” defined by virtuous desires and actions …

BRAVO.

The intense polarization in the electorate is being caused by the breakdown of the liberal paradigm. It is ripping apart the social fabric from both ends. It has shattered our common culture and divided us into hostile tribes. As globalization accelerates, it is also presiding over the rise of economic stress. Opportunistic politicians competing for political power under democracy are stirring resentment with political correctness and identity politics to fan the flames.

Culturally: the solution