John mcgowan suggests that in our current age of cynicism the time is right to take a fresh look at pragmatism the philosophy of american democracy in pragmatist politics the combination of pragmatism and comedy takes us on a wide ranging exploration of what american politics and by extension american life could actually be like if it . Beyond the intellectual case for liberal democracy mcgowan turns to how james especially was attuned to the ways that emotional appeals often trump persuasion through arguments and he examines the work of kenneth burke among others to investigate the link between liberal democracy and a comic view of human life. Pragmatist politics making the case for liberal democracy by john mcgowan review january 2014 education and culture 301113 118 doi 101353 eac20140009. Pragmatist politics making the case for liberal democracy mcgowan john on amazoncom free shipping on qualifying offers pragmatist politics making the case for liberal democracy. Pragmatist politics making the case for liberal democracy mcgowan john amazoncomau books