Jack Crittenden was professor of political theory at Arizona State University for nearly thirty years. He is the author of Beyond Individuals, Democracy's Midwife, and Wide as the World. Debra J. Campbell is a residential faculty member in the philosophy and religious studies department of Mesa Community College, in Arizona.
How making up our minds and the makeup of our minds can help us live better and die better.
Cosmopolitan Identity, Integral Politics, and Democratic Dialogue
The book advocates for dialectical thinking as a solution to global issues, emphasizing the importance of participatory democratic dialogue. It suggests that this approach can lead to significant advancements in both individual and collective consciousness, encouraging a broader understanding of identity that encompasses all of humanity. Through this new mindset, the author argues, we can foster collaboration among experts and citizens to address pressing global challenges.
Focusing on the concept of deliberative democracy, the book critiques the current democratic system that limits citizen participation in decision-making. It combines a thorough analysis of democratic education's theoretical foundations with innovative solutions to reform civic education, which has remained stagnant since the nation's founding. The author argues that the existing education system inadequately prepares citizens for public engagement and presents a compelling vision for cultivating an informed and responsible electorate capable of self-governance.