CS009: Computers and Human Values
Department of Computer Science, Brown University
Notes, December 8th -- Roger B. Blumberg

Sunstein II: Citizens, Consumers, Democracy and Regulation

Introduction: How We Are

We'll begin the session today with a discussion of the set of essays on Negroponte, Marx and Brin; with special attention to the general evaluation of Marx's ideas. We can also discuss possible topics for the third and final essay.

Introduction 2: What Makes Democracies Work?

As a preface to today's discussion of republic.com, we'll continue to share answers to the questions:

Although the statement "All Politics is Local" has become somewhat of a cliche, one can make a very strong argument that, even in this digital age, effective political action is most often rooted in the particular concerns of particular constituencies. Traditionally, this has meant "local" constituencies.

On the other hand, a technology like the Internet, that facilitates personal communication and empowerment, would seem to offer great opportunities for improving both the quantity and quality of political participation by citizens in government, even though the technology makes "local" participation more an option than a necessity.

Reflecting on Cherny's views, and on Sunstein's views (as well as your own degree of political participation), do you think that the institutions of political representation currently in place in the US can make revolutionary use of information technologies, and if so how might our institutions change to accommodate such use? Similarly, do you imagine the slogan "All politics is local" will seem antiquated in 50 years?

Cass Sunsetin's republic.com

We'll continue with the question I asked you to consider after Tuesday's class, about the sort(s) of common experiences that can serve as a sound foundation for deliberative democracy, and then try to connect the quotations presented by Sunstein in the epigraph to the book, to specific passages/ideas presented in the text. Along the way, here are some further questions we might consider:

We'll begin with the question about the sort(s) of common experiences that can serve as a sound foundation for deliberative democracy, and then try to connect the quotations presented by Sunstein in the epigraph to the book, to specific passages/ideas presented in the text.

Next & Finally :: Post your topics for the 3rd paper to the WebCT folder by the Monday the 12th. An optional review class will be held on Tuesday the 13th (at the usual time & place), and the final exam is on Wednesday, at 9 a.m.

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