Hope in a Democratic Age

Philosophy, Religion, and Political Theory

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Church, Church & State, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Hope in a Democratic Age by Alan Mittleman, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alan Mittleman ISBN: 9780191608858
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: July 2, 2009
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Alan Mittleman
ISBN: 9780191608858
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: July 2, 2009
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

How and why should hope play a key role in a twenty-first century democratic politics? Alan Mittleman offers a philosophical exploration of the theme, contending that a modern construction of hope as an emotion is deficient. He revives the medieval understanding of hope as a virtue, reconstructing this in a contemporary philosophical idiom. In this framework, hope is less a spontaneous reaction than it is a choice against despair; a decision to live with confidence and expectation, based on a rational assessment of possibility and a faith in the underlying goodness of life. In cultures shaped by biblical teaching, hope is thought praiseworthy. Mittleman explores the religious origins of the concept of hope in the Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament, rabbinic literature and Augustine. He traces the roots of both the praise of hope, in Jewish and Christian thought, and the criticism of hope in Greco-Roman thought and in the tradition of philosophical pessimism. Arguing on behalf of a straightened, sober form of hope, he relates hope-as-a-virtue to the tasks of democratic citizenship. Without diminishing the wisdom found in tragedy, a strong argument emerges in favour of hope as a way of taking responsibility for the world. Drawing on insights from scriptural and classical texts, philosophers, and theologians - ancient and modern, Mittleman builds a compelling case for placing hope at the centre of democratic political systems.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How and why should hope play a key role in a twenty-first century democratic politics? Alan Mittleman offers a philosophical exploration of the theme, contending that a modern construction of hope as an emotion is deficient. He revives the medieval understanding of hope as a virtue, reconstructing this in a contemporary philosophical idiom. In this framework, hope is less a spontaneous reaction than it is a choice against despair; a decision to live with confidence and expectation, based on a rational assessment of possibility and a faith in the underlying goodness of life. In cultures shaped by biblical teaching, hope is thought praiseworthy. Mittleman explores the religious origins of the concept of hope in the Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament, rabbinic literature and Augustine. He traces the roots of both the praise of hope, in Jewish and Christian thought, and the criticism of hope in Greco-Roman thought and in the tradition of philosophical pessimism. Arguing on behalf of a straightened, sober form of hope, he relates hope-as-a-virtue to the tasks of democratic citizenship. Without diminishing the wisdom found in tragedy, a strong argument emerges in favour of hope as a way of taking responsibility for the world. Drawing on insights from scriptural and classical texts, philosophers, and theologians - ancient and modern, Mittleman builds a compelling case for placing hope at the centre of democratic political systems.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Not In Their Name by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Oxford Case Histories in Rheumatology by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Oxford Studies in Normative Ethics, Vol 7 by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Niko's Nature by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Art and Belief by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Textbook of Evolutionary Psychiatry by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Oxford Modern English Grammar by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Lexicography by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Discrepant Solace by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Making Eden by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book Spain, 1833-2002 by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Modern African History by Alan Mittleman
Cover of the book An Autobiography by Alan Mittleman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy