Description
Book SynopsisProfessions are institutions which, through their small size, self-governing elements, and sense of social mission, can assist in maintaining a sound civic culture. As mediating institutions in our democratic society that are neither entirely birthed by the state nor are entirely private, the individual professionssuch as the legal and education professions, journalism, economics, architecture, or the militaryarguably present practical avenues through which to teach civic behavior and to restore Americans' broken trust.This volume on the professions and civic life undertakes a unique and timely examination of twelve individual professions to see how each affects the character of American citizenship and the civic culture of the nation through their practices and ethos. Among the questions each essay in the volume addresses are: What is distinctiveor notabout the specific profession as it came to be practiced in the United States? Given the specialized knowledge, training, and sometimes
Trade ReviewThis volume demonstrates how members of especially significant professions have contributed to our civic decline, but can also lead the needed renewal. Not every reader will agree with these authors’ diagnoses, nor their proffered cures, but that very debate would be a healthy reminder of our mutual civic obligations. Anyone who cares about America’s national civic health—and that should be everyone—ought to read this book. -- David E. Campbell, University of Notre Dame
Since professionals are among the most powerful citizens, strengthening citizenship requires rethinking the professions. The lucid, thoughtfully argumentative, intellectually diverse essays in this volume span an extraordinary range of professions and should provoke them all to reconsider their purposes and values. -- Peter Levine, Tufts University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Role of Political Science and Political Scientists in Civic Education Chapter 2 Educating for Liberty? The Shortcomings of Contemporary Civic Education Theories Chapter 3 Tocqueville’s “Most Powerful Barrier”: Lawyers in Civic Society Chapter 4 America’s Military Profession: Creating Hectors, not Achilles Chapter 5 Economists and Res Publica: The Virtues and Limits of Economic Analysis Chapter 6 Physician, Heal Thyself: Doctors in a Pluralist Democracy Chapter 7 Journalism and Citizenship Chapter 8 The Literary Profession and Civic Culture Chapter 9 The Practice of Science in a Democratic Society Chapter 10 Architects and Citizenship Chapter 11 Music and Civic Life in America Chapter 12 History in the Age of Fracture
