Suchergebnisse

The liberal & communitarian perception of pluralism as an inevitable & desirable component of contemporary societies is explored. Pluralism is separated into three categories: cultural/national pluralism; moral/value pluralism; & pluralism based on certain structural differences (eg, race & ethnicity). An analysis of pluralism based on structural differences is performed to illustrate how such categories by themselves are inadequate foundations for models of identity. It is subsequently asserted that nationality & culture are not appropriate bases for creating identities. Consequently, a notion of pluralism based on the moral contention that the commitment to life is the seminal value of nonoppressive governments is advanced. Despite the possibility of competing moral values, it is concluded that the existence of moral truths, especially the commitment to life, must be accepted to ensure freedom. 19 References. J. W. Parker

The liberal & communitarian perception of pluralism as an inevitable & desirable component of contemporary societies is explored. Pluralism is separated into three categories: cultural/national pluralism; moral/value pluralism; & pluralism based on certain structural differences (eg, race & ethnicity). An analysis of pluralism based on structural differences is performed to illustrate how such categories by themselves are inadequate foundations for models of identity. It is subsequently asserted that nationality & culture are not appropriate bases for creating identities. Consequently, a notion of pluralism based on the moral contention that the commitment to life is the seminal value of nonoppressive governments is advanced. Despite the possibility of competing moral values, it is concluded that the existence of moral truths, especially the commitment to life, must be accepted to ensure freedom. 19 References. J. W. Parker

W. E. B. Du Bois's idea of the role race plays in the general progress of humankind is outlined & defended. Du Bois's conception of race is argued to be historical & cultural, rather than biological, allowing him to construe civilization advances as the result of the collective cultural contributions of multiple races within a single society. Du Bois's theory of progress is defended against economic determinism, which could undermine the possibility of racial harmony. His notion of the "Talented Tenth" in every race was designed to ensure that whatever cultural contribution a race might make would be moral & beneficial for the larger civilization. Du Bois observed that the greatest threat to this vision of racially driven progress is the propensity of the Talented Tenth to be corrupted by capitalist social orders. H. von Rautenfeld