“Democratic Exclusion: A Think-In in Three Acts,” featuring Charles Taylor
Channel: Social Science Research Council
Date: 2016-10-21

The Anxieties of Democracy program is delighted to invite you to its second public 2016  “Democracy in the City” event, at Civic Hall: on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

“Democratic Exclusion: A Think-In in Three Acts,” featuring world-renowned political philosopher Charles Taylor in conversation with civic leaders Keesha Gaskins-Nathan, Sarah Leonard, and Tova Wang. Orchestral music conducted by Benjamin Hochman invites further reflection on the theme.

Democracy, at its roots, means “the power of the people.” Yet around the world, people living in self-styled democracies are excluded from power. How do we understand exclusion in a democratic context, and can we do anything about it?

Act 1: Our event opens with the Finale of Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 45, “Farewell.” In 1772, the piece demonstrated to Haydn’s patron what a world without musicians would look like. Here, the “Farewell” hints at what the democratic space resembles when it has been emptied due to exclusion.

Act 2: Keesha Gaskins-Nathan will then launch an exploration of the meanings and boundaries of democratic exclusion, initiated by Charles Taylor, in conversation with Sarah Leonard and Tova Wang, and continued with members of the audience.

Act 3: The Think-In concludes with a second moment of reflection provided by a performance of Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst.

This event is cosponsored by Civic Hall and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.