Anotace
There are two most important adjectives that are usually connected with the notion of populism. The first adjective describes populism as a vague concept almost impossible to define; the other sees it as a dangerous threat to democracy. The main objective of this course is to challenge this common view by using insights from philosophy of language, (post)structuralist linguistics and psychoanalysis. Building on recent theories of populism as developed by Margaret Canovan and Ernesto Laclau, we will focus on a so-called logic of populism and we will also try to reformulate the relationship between democracy and populism. Course assessment As this class will be conducted as a workshop, i.e. it will be oriented towards discussion rather than lectures, members of the seminar are expected (when required) to present one paper to the group based on assigned texts; prepare for each seminar by reading the essential texts; and to attend on a regular basis (at least 70%). The class is not introductory and it is recommended for M.A. students. International Exchange students may gain an ECTS grade in this course. Course outline (main themes discussed in the course)
1. Definitions of populism
2. From thick to thin definitions
3. Organic crisis and emergence of authoritarian populism
4. Populism and the liberal-democratic malaise
5. Who are the people?
6. Populist representation Course readings While there is no single textbook that covers all the topics examined in the seminar, the following books provide general introductions and overviews of the problems and questions raised in the course: Albertazzi, McDonnell (eds.), Twenty-First Century Populism,
2008. Arditi, B., Politics on the edges of liberalism: diference, populism, revolution, agitation,
2009. Canovan, M. The People,
2005. Canovan, M., Populism,
1981. Ionescu, Gellner (eds.), Populism: its meanings and national characteristics,
1969. Laclau, E., On Populist Reason,
2005. Laclau, E., Politics and Ideology in Marxist Theory (Capitalism - Fascism - Populism),
1977. Meny, Surel (eds.), Democracies and Populist Challenge,
2002. Meny, Surel, Par le peuple, pour le peuple,
2000. Merker, Nicolao, Filosofie del Populismo,
2009. Panizza, F. (ed.), Populism and the Mirror of Democracy,
2005. Taggart, P., Populism,
2000. More readings for each session are going to be distributed through Moodle.