Description
Book SynopsisFrom Athens to America calls for the reversal of the withdrawal of the character-forming function from the political domain, arguing for public sectorfederal, state, and localinvolvement in character formation. Solomon focuses on four specific virtues to serve as a guide to public policy formation: self-esteem, joy and optimism, equanimity, and personal responsibility. He calls for the public sector to move beyond the efforts of families, faith communities, and civic organizations, and take a vital role in fostering character development and promoting these virtues. Combining political science with philosophy, the Judeo-Christian tradition, and medical research, this book illustrates how we formulate public policies that enable people to grow and develop into healthy humans, what each of us is fully capable of becoming.
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Aristotle: Virtues and The Social Order Chapter 3 Abraham Maslow: Humanistic Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, and Human Nature Chapter 4 The Judeo-Christian Tradition and Selected Virtues Chapter 5 Public Policies to Enhance Self-Esteem by Lessening Social Pathologies Chapter 6 Public Policies to Promote Joy and Optimism by Funding Mental Health Services and Parenting Education Chapter 7 Public Policies to Encourage Equanimity by Reducing Stress Chapter 8 Public Policies to Heighten Personal Responsibility by Promoting Marriage and Discouraging Divorce Chapter 9 Conclusion: Neuropharmacology and Its Impact on Virtues and the Formulation of Public Policy
