Beyond Civility in Social Conflict - Dialogue, Critique, and Religious Ethics

How can one speak and act in ways that overcome entrenched social conflicts? In polarized societies, some insist that the survival of democracy depends on people abiding by rules of civility and mutual respect. Others argue that the political situation is so dire that one's values need to be fought for by any means necessary. Across the political spectrum, people feel like they need to choose between the morality of dialogue and the effectiveness of protest. Beyond Civility in Social Conflict makes an important intervention in this debate. Taking insights from nonviolent direct action, it provides a model for advocacy that is both compassionate and critical. Successful communicators can help their opponents by dismantling the illusions and unjust systems that impede human flourishing and pit people against one another. The final chapter turns specifically to Christian ethics, and what it means to 'love your enemies' by disagreeing with them.

List of contents

Introduction; 1. The three voices in the ethics of communication; 2. The rules are broken: dilemmas of restraint in war and social conflict; 3. Integral communication; 4. Illusions and indirect communication; 5. 'Dynamically aggressive': the rhetorical force of nonviolent direct action; 6. Sharing the good news: integral communication and Christian theology.

About the author

Russell P. Johnson teaches religious studies and philosophy at the University of Chicago. He has published articles on political polarization, the philosophy of communication, and ethics in popular movies. His research analyses how 'good guys versus bad guys' stories shape how we understand ourselves, imagine our enemies, and work for social change. Beyond Civility in Social Conflict is his first book.

Product details

• Authors: Russell P Johnson, Russell P. Johnson, Russell P. (University of Chicago) Johnson
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.06.2024
• EAN: 9781009427210
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0942721-0
• No. of pages: 320
• Series: New Cambridge Studies in Religion and Critical Thought
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; Philosophy of Language, Social Theory, Philosophy of Mind, RELIGION / Ethics, Political activism, Religious ethics, Political activism / Political engagement