Emancipation Now ... Well Not Now, A Little Bit Later: Is Reflective Equilibrium The Tool to Lead Us To New Poltical and Ethical Visions (Part 3)

On The Very Idea - A Philosophy Podcast

In this last episode of a three part installment, I look at whether reflective equilibrium is stuck with the same problems of pragmatism - namely a favoring of our already held considered convictions. I say no it isn't and attempt to illustrate why by looking at the work of Canadian philosopher Kai Nielsen's work on wide reflective equilibrium. Reflective equilibrium when conducted widely enough can be quite emancipatory. It allows us to escape from our comfortable, long held beliefs to venture into new territory while still being tied to a rational framework. I end on examining a more pecculiar part of Nielsen's work - his idea that wide reflective equilibrium could allow us to theoretically have a dialogue with long lost figures of history. Care for a chat Genghis Khan?