Publication
Title
Freedom through political representation? Lefort, Gauchet and Rosanvallon on the relationship between state and society
Author
Abstract
This article aims to examine the problem of political representation through the work of Lefort, Gauchet and Rosanvallon. It first looks at Lefort, who argues that a democratic society is characterized by a tension between its abstract guiding principles and its concrete reality. Political representation, then, mediates between these principles and society. This theory of representation allows Lefort, Gauchet and Rosanvallon not only to examine critically both past and present discourses of their contemporaries, but also to offer an alternative history of their own. Yet, since the 1980s, increasing individualization has exacerbated the tension between abstract principles and society, thus making political mediation more difficult. This article discusses the diagnosis and remedy to this predicament, as developed by Gauchet and Rosanvallon. While Gauchet offers an interesting diagnosis, but remains sceptical about possible solutions, Rosanvallon is more voluntarist and offers concrete solutions for todays crisis of political representation
Language
Dutch
Source (journal)
European journal of political theory. - London
Publication
London : 2005
ISSN
1474-8851
DOI
10.1177/1474885105052705
Volume/pages
4 :3 (2005) , p. 263-282
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
External links
Record
Identifier
Creation 10.03.2015
Last edited 22.08.2023
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