The Role of Motivated Reasoning in Maintaining Democracy

Political polarization and ideological extremism have become increasingly common in the United States. Voter turnout is low, and political discourse is extremely partisan. This podcast seeks to ascertain what the philosophical ideal of democracy should be, juxtaposed to the current patterns of voting, and reasoning in society. Through a comprehensive literature review on the concept of motivated reasoning, and sifting through political discourse, the solution is a complex one, but has a basis in grassroots movement, and the power of the local vote in changing perceptions and changing worlds.