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, well-known in Constitutional Law, 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 must be balanced with societal order and stability. It has shaped modern constitutional democracies by emphasizing that liberty is not absolute but must exist within a framework of laws that ensure peaceful coexistence. Yet, despite its significance, the definition of ordered liberty was absent from Wikipedia until I introduced it—perhaps reflecting an aversion to acknowledging that this balance is not a neat equilibrium but an ongoing source of conflict.
Ordered Liberty refers to the idea that individual freedoms must be balanced with societal order and stability. It has shaped modern constitutional democracies by emphasizing that liberty is not absolute but must exist within a framework of laws that ensure peaceful coexistence. Yet, despite its significance, the definition of ordered liberty was absent from Wikipedia until I introduced it—perhaps reflecting an aversion to acknowledging that this balance is not a neat equilibrium but an ongoing source of conflict.
This reluctance raises critical questions: Do we resist admitting that governance inherently involves friction? Does the ideal of democracy obscure the necessity of negotiation and struggle? As AI governance challenges our traditional frameworks, we must confront these tensions head-on. I explore this issue further in my article: AI’s Reluctance to Acknowledge the Necessity of Conflict.
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.
I examine the challenges posed by divergent moral foundations across the political spectrum and the impact of power dynamics on critical decision-making. This analysis offers a compelling framework for understanding how democratic societies must adapt to the ethical implications of transformative technologies while upholding the principle of ordered liberty—ensuring that individual freedoms are preserved while maintaining the fairness, stability, and social cohesion necessary for a just society.