Ep. 18 Dr. Molly Farneth The Politics of Ritual: Reimagining Community in an Age of Discord

In this episode of Reviving Virtue, host Jeffrey Anthony engages Dr. Molly Farneth in a rigorous dialogue exploring the multifaceted connections between rituals, virtues, and democratic communal life. Dr. Farneth, author of "The Politics of Ritual," elucidates the transformative potential of rituals for shaping social norms, articulating community values, and nurturing democratic citizenship. From the paradigm-shifting case of the Philadelphia 11 to the application of Hegelian social ethics, and even touching upon the cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift, this conversation provides a nuanced investigation into the capacity of rituals and habits to rejuvenate our democratic ethos.

Books Discussed:

• The Politics of Ritual by Molly Farneth
• Hegel's Social Ethics: Religion, Conflict, and Rituals of Reconciliation by Molly Farneth

Topics Covered:

• The importance of rituals in shaping social norms
• Hegel's social ethics: Recognition and Reconciliation
• The Philadelphia 11: A case study in ritual and social change
• American Democracy and the Struggle for Recognition
• Habits, Virtues, and their Role in Democratic Life
• Rituals and Creativity
• The Role of Emotions and Responsibility in Public Rituals
• Taylor Swift and Collective Effervescence: A cultural phenomenon

Contact: [email protected]

Music by Jeffrey Anthony