Democracy, Democratic Values, and the Recent US Experience

From the works of Plato to those of the Founding Fathers, certain traits of a political system are critical to sustaining democracy. By examining instances where democracies have succumbed to authoritarian government, the course explores the key elements of democracy, to include the critical democratic values which serve as democracy’s “soft guardrails.” These “soft guardrails” rely on the ability of people to discuss political differences in a manner which does not view the outcome as a zero-sum game. After establishing a baseline on the elements of democracy, we will develop the means through which we can re-engage those with whom we disagree through civic dialogue.

This event is made possible by the Thomas Skelton Harrison Foundation.

Tickets available for in-person at Parkway Central Library’s Heim Center East. In order to accommodate the civic engagement of all Pennsylvanians, we will be offering this program virtually via ZOOM as well (ZOOM link will be emailed to registered attendees).