The Myths We Live By: A Contrarian's Guide to Democracy, Free Speech and Other Liberal Fictions

by Peter Cave

In this witty and mischievous book, philosopher Peter Cave dissects the most controversial disputes today and uses philosophical argument to reveal that many issues are less straightforward than we'd like to believe. Leaving no sacred cow standing, Cave uses ingenious stories and examples to challenge our most strongly held assumptions. Is democracy inherently a good thing? What is the basis of so-called human rights? Is discrimination always bad? Are we morally obliged to accept refugees? In an age of identity politics and so-called "fake news," this book is an essential resource for reinvigorating genuine public debate —and an entertaining challenge to accepted wisdom.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Philosophy, Audiobook, Society, Religion, Economics

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2020

About the author

Peter Cave lectures in philosophy for The Open University and New York University (London). He frequently contributes to philosophy magazines and journals, lectures around the world, and has scripted and presented philosophy programmes for the BBC. He is the author of eight books on philosophy, including Humanism: A Beginner’s Guide and the bestselling Can a Robot be Human?: 33 Perplexing Philosophy Puzzles.

Reviews

[Peter Geyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In many respects, Peter Cave's book has a theme around what is meant by words, phrases and processes associated with what might be called Western liberalism. He leads the reader to the inherent paradoxes, even contradictions, between what people think or feel about democracy, free speech, equality and the like, including personal identity.

An interesting component is the level of use of the word "preferences" – a term that seems to originate in the field of economics and liberally used when explaining C.G. Jung's theory of Psychological Types, or at least measurement associated interprtations, as it's not a word Jung used in the type context.

The book is clearly written, but also one in which a chapter or a few pages at a time is required; it's not a book to sit down and read in a sitting or to. This is because there are lots of things to think about. These ideas and contradictions are presented in what appears a quiet and friendly tone, although there's a hint of polemic in the epilogue.

I enjoyed this book immensely: it made me think about topics of interest as well as issues I knew little about. It demonstrated, in a particular way, the variety of perspectives held by human beings. Cave has a particular interest in the nature of inequality and poverty as in part consequences of how one sees the world and the meaning of the labels under discussion. I think it's a fundamental text, which may make some uneasy, but that's one of the aims of writing, I think

[Noor Fedala · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The ideal 'democracy', in the world as it is, is perhaps one where people deceive themselves into thinking that thei live in democracy where every vote counts and where by manipulation, good luck or Devine intervention, the government is one that does it's best for 'its people's ".
🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧🚧 "The Myths we Live By: Adventures in Democracy, Free Speech and Other Liberal Inventions" by Peter Cave.
The philosopher gives an interesting demonstration of certain convictions that we value using a witty and sometime even an ironic undertone. Peter Cave introduces a few scholars and philosophers like Rousseau, Forster and John Stewart Mill and their ideas and influences concerning democracy and free speech and he compared them to the actual state of these terms in reality. Questioning these liberal inventions leads us to rethink about democracy and the act of voting, and the responsibility of choosing the right person to represent us. It also creates a paradoxical truth about free speech and the fact that it can create some conflicts in interest between religion and secularism or liberals and conservatives.
Peter cave draws another dimension for common certainties, so if you want to check whether your beliefs about democracy, rights and free speech aren’t just prejudices – mere myths you happen to have signed up to – this is a great place to start.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting viewpoints but fails to ever really hit any nail on the head. Most of these ‘myths’ are simply opinions that go against the apparent ‘mythical‘ opinons of others. What this book is really about is the logic of how some people frame their arguments in one way while contradicting themselves in others (a very common human trait).

[Nanette Luoma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at many of the myths and stories we believe. For example "We are all equal before the law."
The author presents the myth, then proceeds to point out its flaws. When it comes to being equal before the law, there are inequalities--those with money can purchase better representation, and those in the majority are often given the "benefit of the doubt."
I found some of the chapters (especially Chapter 14) very difficult to read but managed to get through them by realizing that the reason it was difficult to read was because of the issues he was pointing out.
Overall, I found the book rather depressing. He points out how flawed our views of society and ourselves are, and ends by saying even though these myths aren't perfect, they at least give us a direction to work towards. We just need to keep ourselves aware that they are myths, and to watch for their flaws.
While I enjoyed this book, it was challenging to read. The language is British English, and it's written in a more academic style that requires more attention. In addition, I felt the explanations and examples were excessive.)

[John Fredrickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The great thing about this book is that it immediately sets out to challenge the reader's assumptions about our own society(s). In this regard it is very successful. Cave dissects our attitudes to Democracy, Human Rights, Taxation, Equality, Capitalism, Property Ownership, Justice, and other big, capital-letter words of importance. The points he raises about each of these are always pertinent and thoughtful.

The reason for the middling rating here is that the book is very long, even somewhat rambling, and often feels very repetitive. This is a book that is probably important to read, but it is also a chore to do so.

[Marcelo Abreu · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Myths We Live By" - first page: presents the West as "democratic", as it takes "democracy" as a synonym for individual "liberties" rather than direct participation in governance and/or effective governance for the sake of all peoples; later, on the first chapter: democracy is presented now as indirect participation on governance and argues people might not always know what is good for them. This is the best example of "liberal" contempt for democracy, they despise everything about it, but they will captitalize on the popularity of the term and try to model it after capitalist interessets while quietly destroying what is left of democracy until people have, in practice, no power or voice whatsoever. Did you ever stop to think why people are so not-"wise", and often do not opt for what is best for them, Peter? Can poor education be part of it? Poor living conditions? Censorship (and that includes liberal structural censorship and self-censorship)? What about electoral propaganda? Lobbies? Interest groups? And would this be the case in a true socialist democracy?

[Fahad Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Very intelligent.

[Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for citizens of this society.
Would of been a great book to study in school, opening debate and separating myths from truths.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A challenging, chewy book analysing various political and philosophical ideas. Probably worth dipping back into to ponder topic by topic.

[Alex Wilkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers many different topics relevant to our modern society, highlighting some of the inconsistencies in our collective beliefs. Some chapters are really strong and show a depth of knowledge, however others appear to be based more off generalisations rather than insight. Overall a very interesting read for anyone interested in the philosophy of our time.