Search results for ""author john mcgowan""

Hannah Arendt's most important contribution to political thought may be her well-known and often-cited notion of the "right to have rights." In this incisive and wide-ranging book, Peg Birmingham explores the theoretical and social foundations of Arendt's philosophy on human rights.

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This comprehensive how-to manual covers all the information you need to maintain and improve your house or apartment, with detailed instructions and helpful hints and tips from expert authors to ensure success. It shows the beginner the best way to tackle everyday problems and gives advice on floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, drains, gutters, roofs, paths and drives, insulation and ventilation. There is a focus on security, with information on how to fit window and door locks and bolts. All the basic woodworking skills are covered, from the correct way to put up shelves, fit hinges and catches, to more complicated jobs, such as rehanging doors. This handy, easy-to-use reference will give you confidence to tackle jobs around the home and achieve professional-looking results every time.

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In our current age of cynicism, John McGowan suggests that the time is right to take a fresh look at pragmatism, the philosophy of American democracy. As McGowan shows, pragmatism can be an inspiring alternative to the despair that seems to dominate contemporary American politics. Pragmatist Politics is passionate and convincing, both heartfelt and clear-eyed. It offers an expansive vision of what the United States could be and should be.From John Dewey and William James, McGowan derives a history of democracy as a way of life, characterized by a distinctive ethos and based on an understanding of politics as potentially effective collective agency. That democratic ideal is wedded to a liberalism that focuses on extending the benefits of democracy and of material prosperity to all. Beyond the intellectual case for liberal democracy, McGowan turns to how James, especially, was attuned to the ways that emotional appeals often trump persuasion through arguments, and he examines the work of Kenneth Burke, among others, to investigate the link between liberal democracy and a comic view of human life. Comedy, McGowan notes, allows consideration of themes of love, forgiveness, and generosity that figure far too infrequently in philosophical accounts of politics.In McGowan’s work, the combination of pragmatism and comedy takes us on a wide-ranging exploration of what American politics—and by extension American life—could actually be like if it truly reflected American values.

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How do American intellectuals try to achieve their political and social goals? By what means do they articulate their hopes for change? John McGowan seeks to identify the goals and strategies of contemporary humanistic intellectuals who strive to shape the politics and culture of their time. In a lively mix of personal reflection and shrewd analysis, McGowan visits the sites of intellectual activity (scholarly publications, professional conferences, the classroom, and the university) and considers the hazards of working within such institutional contexts to effect change outside the academy. Democracy's Children considers the historical trajectory that produced current intellectual practices. McGowan links the growing prestige of "culture" since 1800 to the growth of democracy and the obsession with modernity and explores how intellectuals became both custodians and creators of culture. Caught between fears of culture's irrelevance and dreams of its omnipotence, intellectuals pursue a cultural politics that aims for wide-ranging social transformations. For better or worse, McGowan says, the humanities are now tied to culture and to the university. The opportunities and frustrations attendant on this partnership resonate with the larger successes and failures of contemporary democratic societies. His purpose in this collection of essays is to illuminate the conditions under which intellectuals in a democracy work and at the same time to promote intellectual activities that further democratic ideals.

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Hannah Arendt's work has been noted for its unorthodox and eclectic style. This book aims to show that her unusual approach in fact reflects a consistent and distinctive conception of, and way of doing, political theory. This is established through close readings of her most influential works. Steve Buckler discusses Arendt's key works - The Origins of Totalitarianism, The Human Condition and On Revolution - alongside her less well known and posthumously published writing

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Social worker. You're a helping hand, a rock in the tempest, a friendly face through the hard times, and a catalyst for change. But what about you? How do you keep going when the pressure just keeps rising?In this no-nonsense handbook, Neil Thompson and John McGowan distil years of social work expertise into key strategies to overcome the challenges that come with the profession. Each chapter is full of clear, practical advice on staying resilient in the face of tough situations, whether they're political, social, or economic. Handy frameworks and expert advice will strengthen your practice and give you a solid structure to build on, helping you fulfil your potential as a social worker and provide better support for your clients. Social work is tough, but with the guidance and support in this book you can learn to tackle the challenges and thrive as a force for change.

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Pastor Johnny McGowan has been SERVING UP for many years, first as the aide to Lakewood founder John Osteen, and now to Lakewood lead pastor Joel Osteen. Throughout his experience, Pastor Johnny has embraced his role of service, being strongly compelled that God wanted him right where he was: part of a movement that was larger than himself. He learned to truly rise in his supporting role and has flourished with purpose as a result. Now, Pastor Johnny shares his wisdom in SERVING UP. Incorporating personal insights and biblical stories of those in the "second in command" position, and how God has used them for a larger purpose, this book will guide you in serving with integrity, passion, and instinct for success. Through service you can achieving a life that is favored by God. By joyfully approaching your current position--instead of relentlessly seeking a better position--and stepping aside to let God open the right doors for you, you will see the divine value and glory of SERVING UP.

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