Overview

""Toward a Global 'Thin' Community re-examines aspects of the liberal-communitarian debate. While critical of both traditions, this book argues that a coherent form of communitarianism is the only plausible option for citizens today. Using the theories of Friedrich Nietzsche and Michel Foucault, Olssen shows how we can overcome traditional problems with communitarianism by using an ethic of survival that he identifies in the writings of Nietzsche and others to provide a normative framework for twenty-first century politics at both national and global levels. ""Thin"" communitarianism seeks to surmount traditional objections associated with Hegel and Marx, and to safeguard liberty and difference by applying a robust idea of democracy.""

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9781594514470

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Mark Olssen has written an ambitious book that grapples with both theoretical subtleties and the complexities of our contemporary situation. His proposed 'thin communitarianism' recognizes our social constitution while avoiding the totalitarian temptations that often haunt communitarian thought. The scope ... constitute[s] a real contribution to thinking about the politics of our time. -- Todd May Olssen's book breathes new life into the debates around liberalism and politics. His grasp of diverse philosophical traditions is stunning. This is an extremely erudite but eminently practical exercise which articulates an original but very topical 'third position' in political philosophy. -- Stephen J Ball FBA AcSS, Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education Editor Journal of Education Policy Education Foundations and Policy Studies Institute of Education, University of London In this wide-ranging and well-argued book, Mark Olssen, skilfully exposes the limitations of liberalism and communitarianism, and offers a richer view of the human self. He uses it to advance a philosophically sophisticated and politically realistic global ethics that is sensitive both to human solidarity and national differences. A rich book. Warmly to be welcomed. -- Lord Bhikhu Parekh, member of the House of Lords, and Professor of Politics at the University of Westminster [The book] is an intellectually energizing and beautifully written book. Refusing to accept either an individualism without limits or a notion of freedom removed from wider social responsibilities, he provides a vigorous defense of the common good, democracy, and public life. ... Olssen has produced a book of great insight, conviction, and hope. -- Henry Giroux

Author Information

Mark Olssen is Professor of Political Theory and Education Policy in the Department of Political, International, and Policy Studies at the University of Surrey. He is coauthor recently with John Codd and Anne Marie O'Neill of Education Policy: Globalization, Citizenship, Democracy (Sage, 2004); and editor with Michael Peters and Colin Lankshear of Futures of Critical Theory (Rowman and Littlefield, 2003).

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