Unveiling Liberty in the Aesthetics of the American Dream: Meaning Beyond "Truth"
In 2010, I completed my Doctor of Education in the College Teaching of Art (Ed.D.C.T.) program at Teachers College, Columbia University. My dissertation is titled "The Aesthetics of the American Dream: Experiencing the Visual As Meaning Beyond Truth."
My dissertation explored Americans' perceptions of success, dreams, and the American Dream. Through studying pictures and how people interpret them, I investigated varying perspectives on the American Dream, its impact on American culture, and the different ideas surrounding it.
My research revealed contrasting viewpoints and concluded that conflicting values of 'positive liberty' and 'negative liberty' influence discussions in American politics. Overall, my research sheds light on the diverse understandings of hopes and dreams in America, which can shape debates on what is best for the country.
Ordered Liberty Definition on Wikipedia
As a Wikipedia Editor, I later established the working definition of Ordered Liberty from the above context.
As the originating author of Wikipedia's Ordered Liberty page, I framed this pivotal historical concept as a delicate equilibrium between individual freedom and an ordered society. This principle lies at the heart of American democracy and constitutional ideals.
My objective is to illuminate the historical and philosophical foundations of the American experiment of self-governance. Through this work and other projects, I aim to reignite a deeper appreciation for the careful balance between personal liberty and collective well-being—a balance that has defined the American experience since its inception.
Ultimately, the broader aim of my work in American public discourse, as evidenced on this site, has been to revitalize an informed understanding of the unique equilibrium between individual freedom and an ordered society, as enshrined in the nation's core constitutional principles.
Ordered Liberty refers to the idea that individual freedoms and rights must be balanced with the need for societal order and stability. It emerged as a critical principle in political philosophy, particularly in the context of 18th and 19th-century debates around the proper role of government. Ordered liberty emphasizes that liberty does not mean unbounded or absolute freedom but rather freedom within a framework of laws and institutions that ensure the peaceful coexistence of all members of society.
Ordered Liberty refers to the idea that individual freedoms and rights must be balanced with the need for societal order and stability. It emerged as a critical principle in political philosophy, particularly in the context of 18th and 19th-century debates around the proper role of government. Ordered liberty emphasizes that liberty does not mean unbounded or absolute freedom but rather freedom within a framework of laws and institutions that ensure the peaceful coexistence of all members of society.
This concept has influenced the development of modern constitutional democracies and the balance between individual rights and collective interests. And, as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, this balancing act takes on new dimensions, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence governance.
Artificial Intelligence IN Representative Democracy
In my article "Democracy, the Ideological Divide and Power Dynamics" (2024) on my content site HEGEMONACO, I explore how the fundamental tension presented by the concept of Ordered Liberty manifests in the ethical governance of AI in the American political context.
Here, I highlight the challenges posed by divergent moral foundations across the political spectrum and the realities of power dynamics in shaping crucial decisions. This analysis provides a compelling framework for understanding how democratic societies must evolve to address the ethical implications of transformative technologies while staying true to the core principles of balancing individual liberties with collective welfare.