This work explores what the author believes are attractive, practical alternatives to the belief system behind today’s cultural conventions. He is especially concerned with our political culture’s narrow emphasis on pure reason. Without simply giving in to unreason, The Gift of Morality offers a general, extra-rational understanding of 'self' as a starting point for society. This change in self/social perspective then invites individuals to develop a ‘relational autonomy’ and practice a ‘politics of difference’. In sympathy with the Postmodern moment, this work challenges still-dominant Modernism -- especially its presumptive, rather arbitrary and power-centred constructions. Specifically, the author supports Postmodern Feminism’s notion that modernist political constructions privilege Christian, white, male, heads-of-household through installations of a single-voiced form of reason. This voice is anchored by universalizations and naturalisations, cutting off awareness and debate about its founding. The urge for closure via these 'privileging universals' has also been a major factor in Modernism’s expansion to worldwide dominance through -- its cultural imperialism.
ISBN: 1-84045-062-2 |
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