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Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics

A Stoic Approach to Social Justice

Jonathan D. Church

Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics: A Stoic Approach to Social Justice proffers Stoicism as a more constructive approach to social justice activism than Critical Social Justice, the current core framework for social justice activism in the 21st-century. Critical Social Justice examines ideologies that underlie the stratification of society in ways that confer ongoing benefits to some groups at the expense of other groups and aims for a radical reshaping of prevailing institutions because they purportedly, and irredeemably, underlie a set of norms, beliefs, and attitudes which will continue to perpetuate social inequalities if we do not undertake efforts to rethink, disrupt, and restructure society. Stoicism, the ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, is chosen specifically to help navigate the contentious discourse on “systemic” power and privilege which dominates the Critical Social Justice paradigm. In emphasizing intent over impact, as well as the distinction between the circumstances of our lives and the living of our lives, the Stoic approach highlights the vital importance of reason and virtue in achieving a connection between the individualistic concern with cultivation of a good character and the collective concern with making the world a better place.

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Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 170 • Trim: 6¼ x 9
978-1-4758-6314-7 • Hardback • May 2022 • $84.00 • (£65.00)
978-1-4758-6315-4 • Paperback • May 2022 • $37.00 • (£30.00)
978-1-4758-6316-1 • eBook • May 2022 • $35.00 • (£30.00)
Subjects: Education / Philosophy, Theory & Social Aspects, Education / General, Social Science / Activism & Social Justice

Jonathan D. Church is an economist, CFA charter holder, and writer who has been published in Areo, Quillette, Arc Digital, The Agonist Journal, Merion West, The Good Men Project, DC Examiner, Culturico, The Federalist, and other venues. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: Why a Stoic Approach to Social Justice?

Chapter 2: Social Justice Activism in the Twenty-First Century

Chapter 3: The Philosophy of Stoicism

Chapter 4: What Does Stoicism Have to Say about Social Justice Activism?

Chapter 5: Abraham Lincoln: A Stoic Model for Social Justice Leadership

Conclusion

References

About the Author

Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics: A Stoic Approach to Social Justice is a thoughtful book. Church challenges both Stoics and Critical Justice Theorists alike, while drawing out what’s needed from both traditions.


— Caleb Ontiveros, founder of Stoa (@stoameditation)


In the age of intersectionality where identity trumps intent, Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics reinvigorates the idea that prioritizing values and principles over identity politics is the key to human flourishing and social progress. This book powerfully lays bare the time-tested philosophy understood by the Stoics: that the circumstances which constrain our choices and actions matter much less than the choices we make in response to these circumstances. A must read for counselors and teachers alike.


— Christopher Paslay, MA, Philadelphia public schoolteacher, counselor, and author of A Parent’s Guide to Critical Race Theory, and Exploring White Fragility: Debating the Effects of Whiteness Studies on America s Schools


In an age of identity politics, victimhood culture, and siren calls of virtue-signaling, Church turns to the ancient Stoics to show us how social justice is best served by virtue—that is, by reason, good character, and objective judgment. Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics will endure well beyond the current cultural moment.


— Peter Boghossian, founding faculty, University of Austin; author, "How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide"


Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics

A Stoic Approach to Social Justice

Cover Image
Hardback
Paperback
eBook
Summary
Summary
  • Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics: A Stoic Approach to Social Justice proffers Stoicism as a more constructive approach to social justice activism than Critical Social Justice, the current core framework for social justice activism in the 21st-century. Critical Social Justice examines ideologies that underlie the stratification of society in ways that confer ongoing benefits to some groups at the expense of other groups and aims for a radical reshaping of prevailing institutions because they purportedly, and irredeemably, underlie a set of norms, beliefs, and attitudes which will continue to perpetuate social inequalities if we do not undertake efforts to rethink, disrupt, and restructure society. Stoicism, the ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, is chosen specifically to help navigate the contentious discourse on “systemic” power and privilege which dominates the Critical Social Justice paradigm. In emphasizing intent over impact, as well as the distinction between the circumstances of our lives and the living of our lives, the Stoic approach highlights the vital importance of reason and virtue in achieving a connection between the individualistic concern with cultivation of a good character and the collective concern with making the world a better place.

Details
Details
  • Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
    Pages: 170 • Trim: 6¼ x 9
    978-1-4758-6314-7 • Hardback • May 2022 • $84.00 • (£65.00)
    978-1-4758-6315-4 • Paperback • May 2022 • $37.00 • (£30.00)
    978-1-4758-6316-1 • eBook • May 2022 • $35.00 • (£30.00)
    Subjects: Education / Philosophy, Theory & Social Aspects, Education / General, Social Science / Activism & Social Justice
Author
Author
  • Jonathan D. Church is an economist, CFA charter holder, and writer who has been published in Areo, Quillette, Arc Digital, The Agonist Journal, Merion West, The Good Men Project, DC Examiner, Culturico, The Federalist, and other venues. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
  • Acknowledgments

    Introduction

    Chapter 1: Why a Stoic Approach to Social Justice?

    Chapter 2: Social Justice Activism in the Twenty-First Century

    Chapter 3: The Philosophy of Stoicism

    Chapter 4: What Does Stoicism Have to Say about Social Justice Activism?

    Chapter 5: Abraham Lincoln: A Stoic Model for Social Justice Leadership

    Conclusion

    References

    About the Author

Reviews
Reviews
  • Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics: A Stoic Approach to Social Justice is a thoughtful book. Church challenges both Stoics and Critical Justice Theorists alike, while drawing out what’s needed from both traditions.


    — Caleb Ontiveros, founder of Stoa (@stoameditation)


    In the age of intersectionality where identity trumps intent, Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics reinvigorates the idea that prioritizing values and principles over identity politics is the key to human flourishing and social progress. This book powerfully lays bare the time-tested philosophy understood by the Stoics: that the circumstances which constrain our choices and actions matter much less than the choices we make in response to these circumstances. A must read for counselors and teachers alike.


    — Christopher Paslay, MA, Philadelphia public schoolteacher, counselor, and author of A Parent’s Guide to Critical Race Theory, and Exploring White Fragility: Debating the Effects of Whiteness Studies on America s Schools


    In an age of identity politics, victimhood culture, and siren calls of virtue-signaling, Church turns to the ancient Stoics to show us how social justice is best served by virtue—that is, by reason, good character, and objective judgment. Virtue in an Age of Identity Politics will endure well beyond the current cultural moment.


    — Peter Boghossian, founding faculty, University of Austin; author, "How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide"


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