Registration to Departmental Seminar, Department of Philosophy (6 Nov 2024)

Title: Meritocratic Democracy: A Cross-Cultural Political Theory

Speaker: Prof. Elena Ziliotti (Assistant Professor, TU Delft)

Date: 6 November 2024 (Wed)
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm HK Time
(Limited seats. Registrations will be handled on a first come, first served basis.) with synchronous online broadcasting on Zoom

Abstract:
In this talk, I will introduce my newly published book, ‘Meritocratic Democracy: A Cross-Cultural Political Theory’ (OUP 2024). The book brings together insights from parallel debates in contemporary Western and Confucian political theories to offer a new perspective on the function of political leaders in contemporary societies.

Political leaders remain under-examined in mainstream contemporary political theory. However, the political parties' crisis and new technological innovations in the media have led political leaders to consolidate unprecedented power in contemporary democratic societies. Most democracies resemble the so-called ‘leader democracy’ model, where political leaders play a central role in politics. The turn in democratic politics towards leader-centrism raises new normative questions. Granted that political leaders have become a central political agency in democratic societies, how can they contribute to democratic goals?

As a Confucian-inspired approach to political leadership, meritocratic democracy points to some of the preconditions that politicians of all political stripes must meet before occupying leadership positions within a democratic institutional framework. It argues that the Confucian ideas of virtue politics (dezhi, 德治) and benevolence (ren,仁) can inspire new institutional proposals to ensure that political leaders work for democracy (not against it). If ethical screenings were applied to the intra-party selection of future political leaders, they could enhance the moral quality of democratically elected political leaders. Intra-party ethical screenings do not oppose mechanisms of intra-party democracy but compensate for some of the shortcomings. They also present a compelling means for Confucian democrats to demonstrate that democracy is the optimal sociopolitical framework for realising the Confucian ideal of virtuous governance under the circumstances of modern politics.

Attend seminar online. No registration is required.
Meeting ID: 951 7768 8589
Link: https://cuhk.zoom.us/j/95177688589

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1. Provision of personal data is voluntary. The information collected will be used for the purposes of events and communication related to the Department and related responsible organization for this event. Only authorized personnel in the Department can access the information. The Department will promote and disseminate information such as talks, services and research information to you by post, email or phone. You have the right to make subsequent changes on your choice of receiving further promotional information by notifying us in written format.

2. Under the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you can access and apply for amendment of the data in this form. Please contact our Institute staff if necessary.

3. The Institute will use the photos and videos taken from events in organizing and promotional purposes. If you do not agree with the relevant arrangements, you may submit your wishes and notify us in written format before the event.

I have read, understood and agreed with the above terms and conditions.
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