Description
Book SynopsisThis book traces the history of the idea of citizenship, and argues for a new model for the next century. In the style of Michael Ignatieff's The Needs of Strangers, Kingwell takes a long look at what citizenship has meant in the past and what it means today.
Trade ReviewMark Kingwell is a beautiful writer, a lucid thinker, and a patient teacher. Here, he expertly guides readers through the philosophical questions about what makes a just society. His insights are intellectual anchors in a fast-changing world. -- Naomi Klein, author of
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Mark Kingwell proves a delightful companion down the ethical byways of contemporary life, with proper attention to ancient precedents and modern temptations. He thinks philosophy should be both relevant and charming, and shows that thinking aloud is refreshing. Disagree as we may—and I sometimes do—I find him a boon companion. -- Todd Gitlin, Professor of culture, journalism and sociology, New York University
The writing is elegant, often poetic. It appeals to the thoughtful reader who thrives on insights into the way humans interact or who enjoys a rich tapestry of concepts and ideas and the thinkers behind them. * The Globe and Mail, (Toronto) *
Kingwell has become our Socrates, not only directing attention to our self-created crisis of global significance, but also pointing very specifically to the way out of it. * The Gazette, (Montreal) *
A moving and necessary book. -- Georgia Strait, Vancouver
Global growing pains now being felt are a signal that we need to start addressing the social virtues of participatory democracy, not just the economic benefits of capitalism. In a style that is refreshingly free of both starry-eyed idealism and doom-laden cynicism, Kingwell examines this challenge. * The New Presence, (Prague) *
A piquant political-philosophical examination of the meaning of citizenship in these heady times. * The Edmonton Journal *
Table of Contents
Part 1 The World We Have Part 2 Rights and Duties Chapter 3 The Perfect Citizen Chapter 4 The Evil of Banality Chapter 5 Hope's Imagination Part 6 Virtues and Vices Chapter 7 A Friendship Chapter 8 Challenges to Virtue Chapter 9 The Pact of Civility Part 10 Spaces and Dreams Chapter 11 In the Arcades Chapter 12 Postcultural Identities Chapter 13 Places to Dream Part 14 The World We Want
