Nice article addressing the question of the level of pubic discussion on serious topics. "The age of serious thinking appears to be over, at least in popular culture," posits the author. And yet... in alternative forums, such as philosophy cafés, run outside the university environment, participation and interest is strong. So what can we learn from this? "Significant change is upon us: The way in which people connect and learn has changed. The way in which communities function is shifting, and our sandstone institutions ignore these changes at their peril." And the author's conclusion - with which I strongly agree - "It comes down to trust. The formal institutions that lead this country need to trust the people—the people of this country are more than capable; of expressing philosophical views (in Cafés or elsewhere), of learning, of considered judgment, of reasoning, of exhibiting common sense. The days of erecting structures that constrain people to certain restricted roles within restricted processes are over. Participation—like information—needs to be free."
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