A William James Guide to Modern Politics: A Multi-Part Series

As a historian watching the struggles of contemporary Democrats, I wrote these essays in the form of letters addressed to party leaders. I suggest that they can deal with their challenges effectively by attempting to understand contrasting views rather than only criticizing them. For this task, I draw upon my research on American psychologist and philosopher William James. Dear Reader, what related or contrasting approaches would you suggest as political guides?

I propose that insights emerging from historical and intellectual contexts can gain votes for those politicians ready to pause in the fighting long enough to listen. The first open letter, “Democrats in Power to Protesters in Streets: Mutual Prods to Peace,” focuses on listening across divisions within the Democratic Party between Centrists and Progressives, and the second one, “Debating to Persuade, a Challenge for Democrats,” is devoted to listening between Democrats and those Republicans and Independents who are not quite ready to vote for Kamala Harris. Listening is not just nice. Journalist Walter Lippmann (a James student) used a version of this approach for a political application of “The Golden Rule.” Listening provides a political edge from learning historical contexts. Listening supports democracy with citizen engagement. And listening can be a vote getter.

These essays were first published by the Society for US Intellectual History:

Part I, “Democrats in Power to Protesters in Streets: Mutual Prods to Peace,” July 30, 2024, https://s-usih.org/2024/07/paul-croce-democrats-in-power-to-protesters-in-streets-mutual-prods-to-peace/

Part II, “Debating to Persuade, a Challenge for Democrats,” October 21, 2024, https://s-usih.org/2024/10/debating-to-persuade-a-challenge-for-democrats-the-william-james-guide-to-modern-politics/