Teaching Honesty in a Populist Era

Rezensionen / Stimmen

In a time of Big Lies and online disinformation about everything from the climate to elections, the notion that honesty is a crucial democratic good is a refreshing, even radical idea. Building on the pragmatist insights of John Dewey, Stitzlein not only defends the social value of honesty, she explores how we can, and must, put that value into action in educational practice. The result is a deeply original, engagingly written and much-needed articulation of truth's role in democratic life." - Michael Patrick Lynch, author of Know-it-All Society; Provost Professor of Humanities, University of Connecticut A fresh, deeply thoughtful, and timely meditation on a timeless concern. Currently, honesty, like democracy, is in retreat. And, as Stitzlein makes clear, these goals are interdependent. She uses a pragmatist's lens to clarify a vision of honesty well suited to respond to populist leanings and, importantly, clarifies both a vital role for educators and steps we should take." - Joseph Kahne, Dutton Presidential Professor of Education, University of California Riverside In our hyper-partisan political context, it is easy to dismiss and dehumanize those who disagree with you, especially when you think their facts are wrong. In this book, Stitzlein artfully weaves together philosophical reasoning and research from a range of disciplines to articulate a set of civic habits that humanize political rivals. In so doing, she reveals the ways in which truth and honesty are culturally constructed. She goes on to argue that pragmatic inquiry, grounded in civic honesty, will move the public and students from debates toward collective concern about our shared fates. This is a powerful and inspirational reframing of democratic living and democratic education." - Paula McAvoy, Associate Professor of Social Studies Education, North Carolina State University Stitzlein covers issues of dissent, truth seeking, and inquiry as a practice of democracy in this exploration of citizenship education. * Choice * In an era of political upheaval and uncertainty about democracy, when neighbors are skeptical of neighbors and politicians alike, Teaching Honesty in a Populist Era offers a refreshing take on how we might behave differently: Honestly and truly with one another. The book is a thoughtful combination of philosophy and practical writing, leaning on the pragmatism of John Dewey to guide us through the complexity of our current political lives. * Jane Lo, Journal of International Social Studies *