Applied Political Philosophy
Applied Political Philosophy
Jack Miller
Frustration with American politics at all levels is widespread and seems to be growing, but what political reforms, if any, would fix the institutions and process of the U.S. system of government to the satisfaction of the American public? What reforms, whether popular or not, might improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of American democracy? The Applied Political Philosophy podcast confronts these questions by exploring ideas for political reform, the thorny challenges of intractable-seeming political realities, and the realm of political possibilities. It’s a show about opportunities for change and improvement and the obstacles to achieving them.
Episode 10. The Ballot or the Bullet?
In this final episode of Season 1, we consider the differences between reform and revolution as ways of bringing about political change.
Feb 24, 2023
26 min
Episode 9. Bringing PR to America
This episodes considers an electoral system largely unfamiliar to Americans, proportional representation (PR).
Feb 24, 2023
24 min
Episode 8. Presidential Matters
In this episode, we turn our attention to a position that already gets a ton of attention – the presidency. We consider the length of the presidential campaign, learn about a proposal to alter the Oregon presidential primary, and hear a proposal for a new presidential power, the presidential referendum.
Feb 18, 2023
54 min
Episode 7. Gerry's Salamander
In this episode, we explore the issue of gerrymandering and hear from a dedicated political reformer about what a life in politics is like for her.
Feb 17, 2023
52 min
Episode 6. The Oregon System
This episode explores issues related to direct democracy
Feb 16, 2023
48 min
Episode 5. The Laws and the Courts
This episode compares the statutory and judicial avenues of reform and looks at why the courts seem to be doing more political reform than legislatures.
Feb 16, 2023
27 min
Episode 4. Reform Through the Judiciary
In this episode, we consider the judiciary as an avenue of political reform.
Feb 12, 2023
29 min
Episode 3. Amending a Constitution
This episode examines the most permanent yet difficult avenue of political reform, constitutional amendment.
Feb 11, 2023
21 min
Episode 2. Changing the System From Within the System
In this episode, Dr. Miller defines political reform and examines the four different avenues that political reformers can make use of to bring about change.
Feb 8, 2023
20 min
Episode 1. Applied Political Philosophy
Our series on Applied Political Philosophy begins philosophically, discussing the theoretical roots of reform proposals and looking at how political reform movements begin.
Feb 8, 2023
13 min