Plymouth Historical Society examines 'Why Democracy?'

PLYMOUTH — Winston Churchill noted “it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

Democracy is often taken to be an obvious good. Only dictators and fools question the value of democracy … right? No, some great philosophers from Plato to Confucius have thought democracy was a terrible idea and many contemporary Western political theorists have speculated that democracy may not be as useful or moral as we suppose.

Join us at the Plymouth Historical Society at 5:30 p.m. on March 25 for a presentation and discussion examining the value and the problems of democracy. New Hampshire Humanities presenter Josh Duclos will discuss what democracy is, explain why serious historical and contemporary thinkers have distrusted democracy, and help us explore the best contemporary arguments in favor of democracy. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation it is important to analyze, articulate, and explore the arguments in which democracy is grounded.

Holding an Endowed Chair in Humanities at St. Paul’s School, Duclos has taught at the graduate, undergraduate and secondary levels. He is an interdisciplinary philosopher in moral, political and environmental philosophy. He is dedicated to teaching across political divides and aims to make philosophical theories accessible to — and meaningful — for all students. A former Fulbright Scholar, Duclos holds graduate degrees in philosophy from the University of Chicago and Boston University. He grew up among the forests and mountains of New Hampshire and spent five years as a mountain guide leading trips in North America, Europe, and Asia. He is the author of many professional papers as well as articles in the popular press. His first book — "Wilderness, Morality, and Value" — was published in 2022.

The “Why Democracy” program will be held at the Plymouth Historical Museum in the Old Webster Courthouse on Court Street, tucked behind Town Hall. Presentations are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. The program is supported by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities.

“Why Democracy?” is the first in a year long series of PHS and town programs and events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

For more information, visit plymouthnhhistory.org.