Bibliograph

The importance of being civil, the struggle for political decency, John A. Hall

Type

Label

The importance of being civil, the struggle for political decency, John A. Hall

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The importance of being civil

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

812791698

Responsibility statement

John A. Hall

Sub title

the struggle for political decency

Summary

Civility is desirable and possible, but can this fragile ideal be guaranteed? The Importance of Being Civil offers a comprehensive look at the nature and advantages of civility, throughout history and in our world today. Sociologist John Hall expands our understanding of civility as related to larger social forces -- including revolution, imperialism, capitalism, nationalism, and war -- and the ways that such elements limit the potential for civility. Combining wide-ranging historical and comparative evidence with social and moral theory, Hall examines how the nature of civility has fluctuated in the last three centuries, how it became lost, and how it was reestablished in the twentieth century following the two world wars. He also considers why civility is currently breaking down and what can be done to mitigate this threat. Paying particular attention to the importance of individualism, of rules allowing people to create their own identities, Hall offers a composite definition of civility. He focuses on the nature of agreeing to differ over many issues, the significance of fashion and consumption, the benefits of inclusive politics on the nature of identity, the greater ability of the United States in integrating immigrants in comparison to Europe, and the conditions likely to assure peace in international affairs. Hall factors in those who are opposed to civility, and the various methods with which states have destroyed civil and cooperative relations in society

Table Of Contents

A composite definition. Agreeing to differ -- Sympathy and deception -- How best to rule -- Entry and exit -- Intelligence in states -- Enemies. Down with authenticity -- The disenchantment of the intellectuals -- The problem with communism -- The destruction of trust -- Imperialism, the perversion of nationalism -- Conclusion -- Index

Classification