The Role of Truth and Honesty in Improving Democracy

FAIN: FT-285989-22

Sarah Marie Stitzlein
University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH 45220-2872)

Writing of a book about the role of honesty for democratic decision-making.

Whenever citizens face a problem or must reach a decision, they ask the fundamental civic question: “What should we do?” Recent events, from attacks on the Capitol to conspiracy theories about COVID-19, demonstrate significant obstacles to civic problem-solving in a post-truth era, where the emotions and beliefs of individuals often trump facts or public reasoning. Honesty and truth are key components of democratic decision-making, but are increasingly under-valued in society and are nearly absent from citizenship education. In this project, I will discuss struggles in democracy posed by deceit and mistrust, clarify how honesty and truth relate to healthy democratic living, and recommend approaches to citizenship education that emphasize honesty in order to improve democracy.

Associated Products

Teaching Honesty and Improving Democracy in the Post-Truth Era (Article)
Title: Teaching Honesty and Improving Democracy in the Post-Truth Era
Author: Sarah M. Stitzlein
Abstract: N/A
Year: 2023
Format: Journal
Publisher: Educational Theory

Elevating Honesty in Post-Truth Era Education (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Elevating Honesty in Post-Truth Era Education
Author: Sarah M. Stitzlein
Abstract: N/A
Date: 08/20/2022
Conference Name: International Network of Philosophers of Education

A Deweyan Call for Honesty and Truth in U.S. Democracy (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: A Deweyan Call for Honesty and Truth in U.S. Democracy
Author: Sarah M. Stitzlein
Abstract: N/A
Date: 04/13/2022
Conference Name: John Dewey Society

Truth, Populism, and Democratic Education (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Truth, Populism, and Democratic Education
Author: Sarah M. Stitzlein
Abstract: N/A
Date: 09/25/2022
Conference Name: Ohio Valley Philosophy of Education Society

Populist Challenges to Truth and Democracy met with Pragmatism Alternatives in Citizenship Education (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Populist Challenges to Truth and Democracy met with Pragmatism Alternatives in Citizenship Education
Author: Sarah M. Stitzlein
Abstract: N/A
Date: 03/02/2023
Conference Name: Philosophy of Education Society

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