Drawing on the philosophy of nonviolence, the American pragmatist tradition, and recent empirical research, Pragmatic Nonviolence demonstrates that, rather than being merely theoretical, nonviolence is a truly practical approach toward personal and community well-being.

Given the ubiquity of violence in our world, the ever present call to renounce violence has the understandable tendency to ring hollow to many of us. There is no shortage of evidence showing that we really don’t oppose violence as much as we claim to. By conceptually analyzing the terms “violence” and “nonviolence,” as well as by offering palpable readings of Gandhi’s thought and discussing how we can better identify with others, Violence, Nonviolence, and Moral Worth offers insight into how we can begin reducing the gap between our professed reverence for nonviolence and our everyday practices. Sanjay Lal argues that neither our inability to perfectly uphold nonviolent practice nor the reality that moral worth is often exhibited through acts of violence should be an obstacle to affirming the value of a more comprehensive ethic of nonviolence. Peace theorists, activists, and anyone interested in a less violence-filled existence will find much to take away from this work.

A 2023 Choice Reviews Outstanding Academic Title Assuming no background knowledge of philosophy, John Ryder’s introductory text surveys canonical writings and contemporary applications to inform future teachers’ practice of systematic philosophy of education. Exposing readers to the philosophies that built Western education, the book welcomes the development of alternate approaches through systematic analysis of how theory informs practice. The book systematically analyzes key contributions by the four most influential figures in the philosophy of Western education—Plato, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Dewey, and Paolo Freire. The book then builds on historical theories to help readers develop their own systematic philosophies of education. After questions of why, how, by or for whom, about what, where, and when education should be undertaken, the book delves into metaphysical, epistemological, and socio-political questions that may underlie educational principles. Encouraging readers to practice a philosophy of education rather than follow a prescribed path, the book presents a model of exploration that builds on ideas developed by philosophers such as Nel Noddings that can be applied across contemporary and emerging educational issues. The analytic experience and conceptual background material of this book enables readers to think carefully and reflectively about educational principles, policies, and practices as they dedicate themselves to the profession of education.

Much philosophical work on pop culture apologises for its use; using popular culture is a necessary evil, something merely useful for reaching the masses with important philosophical arguments. But works of pop culture are important in their own right--they shape worldviews, inspire ideas, change minds. We wouldn't baulk at a book dedicated to examining the philosophy of The Great Gatsby or 1984--why aren't Star Trek and Superman fair game as well? After all, when produced, the former were considered pop culture just as much as the latter. This will be the first major reference work to right that wrong, gathering together entries on film, television, games, graphic novels and comedy, and officially recognizing the importance of the field. It will be the go-to resource for students and researchers in philosophy, culture, media and communications, English and history and will act as a springboard to introduce the reader to the other key literature in the field.

Living faithfully isn’t about attending church. Being Christian is about living in right, just relationships with other people and the rest of creation. How can Christian parents avoid being overcome with the pressure to be a perfect parent and make a difference in the world? Parenting for a Better World shows there are all sorts of ways we can make a real difference from within our own homes. Even busy parents can work with their families for global justice. Without pressing you to do it all, this book offers spiritual resources for reflecting on the relationship between your faith, your calling for justice, and your commitment to parenting. Find encouragement from fellow parents who weave together stories of caregiving, activism, and scripture that affirm your sense of calling. Plus, it offers practical strategies to help committed (and over-committed) people integrate caregiving and justice work into their daily lives.

Many judgments regarding what is good or bad, possible or impossible, rely upon unspoken assumptions or frameworks which are used to view and evaluate events and actions. Philosophers uncover these hidden aspects of thoughts and judgments, scrutinizing them for soundness, validity, and fairness. These assumptions and frameworks permeate the topics of violence, nonviolence, war, conflict, and reconciliation; and these assumptions influence how we address these problems and issues. The papers in this volume explore what kind of assumptions and frameworks would be needed in order for people to see nonviolence as a sensible approach to contemporary problems. Topics include conceptions of positive peace, nonviolence and international structures, and perspectives on peace education. Contributors are Elizabeth N. Agnew, Andrew Fitz-Gibbon, William C. Gay, Ronald J. Glossop, Ian M. Harris, John Kultgen, Joseph C. Kunkel, Douglas Lewis, Danielle Poe and Harry van der Linden.

A cast of distinguished contributors engage critically with Martin Luther King's understudied writings on labor and welfare rights, voting rights, racism, civil disobedience, nonviolence, economic inequality, poverty, love, just-war theory, virtue ethics, political theology, imperialism, nationalism, reparations, and social justice