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21 | PUBLIC OPINION II

Public Opinion and Distance. Representation and the ''Boundaries of the Community''
Duration
03 Oct 2024 - 05 Oct 2024
Language
English
Status
REGULAR
Course directors :
Christian Bermes , Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Germany
Gerard Raulet , Sorbonne University, France
Katrin Becker , University of Luxembourg , Luxembourg
Course description:

Public opinion cannot be translated into representation without filters. Distance is required, and this applies to both royal representation (the "two bodies of the king") and democratic-republican representation. Political representation cannot be reduced to a mere relationship between representatives and the represented. A democratically organized community, in particular, cannot do without symbolic means and mediation.

The current trend towards direct democracy, particularly facilitated by new communication media, is bringing this classic debate in political thought back on the agenda. On this basis, it becomes possible to address in particular the phenomenon that is currently putting the self-image of liberal democracies under pressure: radicalism. Radicalism knows no distance. In radicalism, differences, nuances, and detours lose their relevance. Radical tendencies emerge in politics, society and culture when distances are eliminated and immediacy replaces mediation.

It is these considerations that Plessner developed in his book "The Limits of Community". The book will celebrate its centenary in 2024. It is by no means outdated. In fact, quite the opposite is true, as current trends towards radicalisation in politics (identity), science (activism) or culture (empathy) demonstrate. This trend is further accentuated by new technologies which, by extending beyond their communication function, challenge the foundations of democratic communities.

Call for Papers

Course lecturers:
Jean-Christophe Anderson , École normale supérieure - PSL, France
Katrin Becker , University of Luxembourg , Luxembourg
Christian Bermes , Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Germany
Till Dembeck , University of Luxembourg , Luxembourg
Joachim Fischer , TU Dresden, Germany
Harry Lehmann , University of Luxembourg , Luxembourg
Julian Müller , Leuphana University of Luneburg, Germany
Gerard Raulet , Sorbonne University, France
Karl-Siegbert Regberg , TU Dresden, Germany
Mirjam Schaub , University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Germany
Astrid Seville , Leuphana University of Luneburg, Germany
Attached documents
Öffentliche-Meinung-und-Distanz_Kurzfassung_correct.pdf
Öffentliche Meinung und Distanz_Call for papers 2024_od.pdf
ABSTRACTS.pdf
Program_Opinion and Public opinion Stand 2509.pdf