A Common Human Ground

Claes G. Ryn

ISBN 10: 082622203X / ISBN 13: 9780826222039

Editore: University of Missouri Press, US, 2019

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A great challenge of the twenty-first century is the danger of conflict between persons, peoples, and cultures, among and within societies. In A Common Human Ground, Claes Ryn explores the nature of this problem and sets forth a theory about what is necessary for peaceful relations to be possible.Many in the Western world trust in 'democracy,' 'capitalism,' 'liberal tolerance,' 'scientific progress,' or 'general enlightenment' to handle this problem. Although each of these, properly defined, may contribute toward alleviating disputes, Ryn argues that the problem is much more complex and demanding than is usually recognized. He reasons that, most fundamentally, good relations among individuals and nations have moral and cultural preconditions.What can predispose them to mutual respect and peace? One Western philosophical tradition, for which Plato set the pattern, maintains that the only way to genuine unity is for historical diversity to yield to universality. The implication of this view for a multicultural world would be a peace that requires that cultural distinctiveness be effaced as far as possible and replaced with a universal culture. A very different Western philosophical tradition denies the existence of universality altogether. It is represented today by postmodernist multiculturalism-a view that leaves unanswered the question as to how conflict between diverse groups might be averted.Ryn questions both of these traditions, arguing for the potential union of universality and particularity. He contends that the two need not be enemies, but in fact need each other. Cultivating individual and national particularities is potentially compatible with strengthening and enriching our common humanity. This volume embraces the notion of universality, while at the same time historicizing it.Using wide-ranging examples, Ryn presents a firmly sustained and systematic argument centering on this central issue. His approach is interdisciplinary, discussing not only political ideas, but also fiction, drama, and other arts. Scholarly and philosophical, but not specialized, this book will appeal to general readers as well as intellectuals.

Codice articolo LU-9780826222039

Dati bibliografici

• Titolo: A Common Human Ground
• Editore: University of Missouri Press, US
• Data di pubblicazione: 2019
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 082622203X
• ISBN 13: 9780826222039
• Rilegatura: Paperback
• Condizione: New
• Peso: 282 grammi

Descrizione articolo

Riassunto

The 21st century is rife with tensions and conflict among cultures, peoples, and persons. In this thought-provoking book, Claes G. Ryn explores the great danger of turbulence and war and propounds a strongly argued thesis about what can make peaceful relations possible.
 
Many trust in &;democracy,&; &;capitalism,&; &;liberal tolerance,&; scientific progress, or general enlightenment to create peace and order. Ryn contends that the problem is deeper and more complex than usually recognized and that peaceful, respectful relations have demanding moral and cultural prerequisites.
 
One Western philosophical tradition, for which Plato sets the pattern, maintains that unity can be achieved only if diversity gives way to universality. Diversity must yield to a homogenizing transcendent good.  A very different Western tradition, represented today by post-modern multiculturalism, denies the existence of universality altogether and celebrates diversity, which leaves unanswered the question of what will avert conflict. Ryn questions both of these positions and argues that universality and particularity, unity and diversity, are potentially compatible. He advances the thesis that a certain way of cultivating what is distinctive to persons, peoples, and cultures can enrich and strengthen our common humanity and increase the likelihood of peace.
 
In A Common Human Ground, now with a new preface by the author, Ryn sets forth a philosophy of human interaction that he applies to foreign policy and international relations, notably the issue of war and peace. Philosophical but not technical, scholarly but not specialized, Ryn&;s well-received work is interdisciplinary, ranging from politics to literature and the arts.

Informazioni sull'autore

Claes G. Ryn is Professor of Politics and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Statesmanship at the Catholic University of America. He has taught also at the University of Virginia and Georgetown University. He gave the Distinguished Foreign Scholar Lectures at Beijing University in 2000 and has visited China many times at the invitation of leading academic institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He was named Honorary Professor at Beijing Normal University. His many books include, Democracy and the Ethical Life, America the Virtuous, and Will, Imagination and Reason.