Mary (Molly) Scudder, Ph.D.

scudder@purdue.edu

Purdue University

Country: United States (Indiana)

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About Me:

Mary (Molly) Scudder (PhD, University of Virginia) is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Purdue University. She specializes in political theory with a research focus on democracy, deliberation, and inclusion. She is an Associate of the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance at the University of Canberra in Australia. 

Research Interests

Political Theory

Deliberative Democracy

Listening

Empathy

Democratic Theory

Inclusion Politics

Uptake

Democracy

Publications:

Journal Articles:

(2020) The Ideal of Uptake in Democratic Deliberation, Political Studies

This article explores the concept of deliberative uptake, which I define as the fair consideration of the arguments, stories, and perspectives that citizens share in deliberation. Reinterpreting the democratic force of deliberation, I argue that it comes in large part from uptake, rather than inclusion or influence. As I show, however, citizens often struggle to take up what others have to say, especially those with whom they disagree. These issues of what I call limited uptake undermine democratic possibilities in pluralistic societies, but are not adequately captured in discussions about how to enhance the democratic quality of deliberation. In addition to expanding inclusion, we must find ways to broaden the enactment of deliberative uptake. After explaining the nature and significance of fair consideration, I present strategies for improving and assessing deliberative uptake and address the risks of taking up undemocratic inputs.

(2016) Beyond Empathy: Strategies and Ideals of Democratic Deliberation, Polity

This paper problematizes empathy-centered approaches to deliberation, challenging the feasibility of such approaches as well as the suitability of empathy as a central goal or ideal in models of democratic deliberation. With the deliberative turn in democratic theory came a new emphasis on empathy. Empathy on the part of citizens – the ability to engage in perspective taking and to feel empathic concern for others – is often cited as crucial for the success and improvement of democratic discourse. I first identify several limits to achieving empathy in practice. I then show that even when achieved, empathy does not sustain deliberative practices. In place of empathy, I propose a ‘‘difference approach’’ to improving democratic deliberation. I argue that differences rather than commonalities are a more democratic resource for helping citizens cultivate greater openness and better listening practices. The difference approach better reflects the ideals of the deliberative model of democracy.

Books Written:

(2020) Beyond Empathy and Inclusion: The Challenge of Listening in Democratic Deliberation, Oxford University Press

Beyond Empathy and Inclusion: The Challenge of Listening in Democratic Deliberation considers how to improve democracy under the politically divided conditions we currently face. The book argues that while democracy does not require that citizens reach an agreement, it does require that they listen to one another. The book goes on to offer a systematic theory of listening acts to explain the democratic force of listening. Modeled after speech act theory, my listening act theory shows how we do something in listening, independent of the outcomes of listening. In listening to our fellow citizens, we recognize their moral equality of voice. Being heard by our fellow citizens is what ensures we have a say in the laws to which we are held. The book offers a realistic view of listening, one that does not assume it will always produce empathy or even understanding. Listening is not the answer to all of our problems. In fact, listening can even produce certain undemocratic effects. The book argues that despite these challenges and risks, listening is a key responsibility of democratic citizenship. It also tackles questions regarding the limits of toleration in a democratic society. Do we owe listening even to democracy’s enemies? The book shows how listening can be used defensively, to protect against threats to democracy. ​The democratic listening this book prescribes is admittedly hard, especially in pluralistic societies. This volume investigates how to motivate citizens to listen seriously, attentively, and humbly even to those with whom they disagree.