The Lippmann-Dewey Debate

Lippmann-Dewey Debate
One of the most important discussions on democracy in history
presented by our very own Spencer Boyd

• What is the role of journalism in a democracy?
• Should the news media target the masses or educated elite?
• How dangerous is fake news to a democracy?

Spencer will be discussing the Lippmann-Dewey debate. One of the most important discussions on democracy in history. Lippmann argues that the irrational and self-serving perceptions that govern behavior ultimately prevent societal cohesion. He richly covers cognitive limitations individuals face in trying to understand a world that is much greater than them, ultimately leading him to invent the word “stereotype” to describe the bag of generalizations people must use to address wider phenomena. He also explores the actual limitations of media and its ability to develop an informed society that makes rational decisions.

Ultimately, he argues that perhaps the leaders of each particular field should form a class of researchers who dedicate time to studying their individual complex issues and push whatever their solutions are as a form a news to manufacture the consent of the governed, effectively replacing public discourse.

John Dewey, perhaps the greatest philosopher of the pragmatic tradition, completely agrees with Lippmann’s analysis, but vehemently disagrees with his conclusion. Dewey says this in reviewing Lippmann’s work, Public Opinion

“The figures of the scene are so composed and so stand out, the manner of presentation is so objective and projective, that one finishes the book almost without realizing that it is perhaps the most effective indictment of democracy as currently conceived ever penned.”

Dewey’s writes a rival work, The Public and It’s problems, in it, he outlines a different view of democracy, not just how we digest information and how vote, but also how we participate, associate, and organize ourselves as communities, and that the difficulties Lippmann pointed out so clearly, can be, and are worth mitigating. Through better education, better community, better media and so on. It’s difficult to cover all of his work here. So I’ll leave it there.

When and Where = 7:00PM Fri. 11 July 2025 - Price Chopper, Lenexa, Kansas.
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Spencer Boyd
Since my earliest childhood I’ve been fascinated by history and philosophy and studied works as best I could at that age, in college, before I switched to tech, I was only three courses away from a history degree, and the same for philosophy. I’ve long had a deep appreciation for these subjects and studied well before and long after my time at university. I fully plan on going back and finishing up those degrees.

I continue to study philosophical material on a near daily basis and regularly sharpen my skills in the pursuit of knowledge and would love to share some of what I’ve seen

See you Friday!
Christopher (Captain Joy) - Debbie Smith - Fred (Crash)
Afterwards: We'll continue our conversations over drinks and food at the Blue Moose.
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Come early between 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. to chat and make new friends before we get started. But be sure to join us by 6:55, if you can, so we can start right at 7:00.
All attendees are expected to follow the P&P Code of Conduct, so all can feel safe while we have a great time.