Research
Current Project
Representatives of Opinion: Emerson and Democratic Deliberation
Representatives of Opinion: Emerson and Democratic Deliberation analyzes, interprets, and expounds R. W. Emerson's political theory. This book uses Emerson to develop a theory of the public sphere and democratic discourse that features a prominent role for representative individuals who, in speaking publicly, seek to speak for other citizens as well as themselves. Representative of Opinion takes the position that the content of democratic deliberation has its sources in the great body of the people, and not among opinion leaders. At the same time, it justifies and defends the role of prominent representatives of opinion in the public sphere.
This book also takes a stand in the controversy in Emerson scholarship over his democratic credentials by arguing for the usefulness of his social and political philosopher for democratic practice today. It will thus be of interest to students and scholars in political science, literature, and philosophy, as well as a general audience concerned with democratic deliberation and participation or the transformative effect of Emerson's writings.
Read a précis of Representatives of Opinion.
Papers
“Thinking for Thousands: Emerson's Theory of Political Representation in the Public Sphere.” American Journal of Political Science, January 2005 (Vol. 41: 1).
“Charitable Interpretations: Emerson, Rawls, and Cavell on the Use of Public Reason.” Political Theory, February 2004 (Vol. 32: 1).