Reference no: EM132918385

The thinkers presented in this course each have a view on human nature, whatever that may be. Some make the case that there may be something like an authentic self ,(Such as Rawls) whereas others focus more on the idea that people behave differently based either in some inherently unique quality to each person (Arendt) or from the economy of power that affects and constitutes them (Foucault). Between these two major camps, which narrative is most compelling? Is there an authentic self, are we products of some other processes/force/institutions, or is the answer to the question of human nature somewhere in between? In answering this question, do not only consider the theorists mentioned in the prompt, but also provide your own, well-thought analysis. Additionally, Butler may have interesting input as well.

In this course we have studied a few major themes in some depth. Through Foucault, as well as with Rawls and Arendt, we looked at the intellectual legacy of the Enlightenment. Through those same thinkers, as well as Butler, we came to examine the lived experiences of people in the contemporary period. Taken as a group, the nature and consequences of power have been of great importance to all the thinkers in the course. Given those themes and in conversation with the thinkers presented here, do you think that democracy is likely to continue in the contemporary period?

In answering that question these themes may be helpful to you

The role of power in the development of the self

Institutions and the culture industry as sites of performance

Economics of politics

Democracy and technology

Truth as central to democracy