Why Liberalism Failed

Deneen argues that liberalism’s conceptions of liberty differ greatly from older traditions in political thought. What, in your view, are some of these differences? What similarities, if any, exist? Could these two differing conceptions be reconciled? Why or why not?

Does the author outline an alternative to liberalism? If so, what is it? What alternatives to liberalism, if any, do you believe might be a viable source of reformation or replacement?

What assumptions does the author make about human nature and politics in order to offer his critique? What are some potential counterarguments to his assumptions and approach?

Deneen valorizes traditional forms of localized culture and claims that liberalism is an “anticulture.” What does he mean by “anticulture”? How would you define liberalism’s culture, and how does your conception accord with, or differ from, Deneen’s?

Deneen argues that liberal democracies promise freedom but ultimately undermine it by creating a “new aristocracy” that threatens genuine democracy. Do you agree with his claims? Why or why not? What measures, if any, would you take to strengthen modern liberal democracies?

Deneen takes a critical view of modern education, contrasting the old “liberal arts” tradition with the emphasis on the “servile arts” in contemporary society (See: Index of Terms). Do you agree with his assessment of modern education? Why or why not? What relationship, if any, exists between freedom and education?

Deneen acknowledges that liberalism has succeeded in many ways, even though he claims that this success is also the key to its failure. What successes does Deneen recognize in liberal democracy? In your opinion, what are liberalism’s successes, and what are its failures or flaws?

Deneen often contrasts the idea of modern individuality with older conceptions of the common good. In your view, what is the relationship between individual rights and the common good in the modern world? How can the differing demands and needs of each be reconciled? Should they be? Why or why not?