We live in an era of increasing tribalism and self-righteousness, made more toxic by social media. Philosopher Mark Kingwell argues that the Left can forge a healthier political culture.
Jacobin’s David Moscrop recently talked with philosopher Mark Kingwell about his new book Question Authority: A Polemic About Trust in Five Meditations and how we can challenge power while navigating life online and off in an age of struggle and grift.
Kingwell’s reflections offer the Left a framework for confronting power without succumbing to nihilism or simply tearing down existing structures. In an era rife with polarization and mistrust, his approach urges us to cultivate what he calls “compassionate skepticism” — a deliberate practice of questioning that aims to improve rather than dismantle.
Considering the often-toxic tenor of public discourse, Kingwell underscores the need for constructive critique and ethical engagement in place of tribalist teeth-gnashing. He suggests that those on the Left should balance critique with a vision of transformation, embracing practices that build solidarity and integrity in public conversation, while also having the courage to speak the truth as we understand it.
Charting the Latest Era of Distrust and Polarization
David Moscrop
Our moment is marked by distrust and polarization, but it’s not the first time that we’ve lived through such conditions. Does anything set this moment apart from past times of intense distrust and polarization?
Mark Kingwell
I suppose two things come to mind as…
Auteur: Mark Kingwell
