A Quest for Humanity: The Good Society in a Global World

by Menno Boldt

Overview

In A Quest for Humanity, Menno Boldt presents a persuasive new framework for achieving a human social order in the global age. Boldt explores the concept of ‘the good society’ as a world in which every person can realize their potential for humanity through liberty, social justice, and equal human dignity.

A Quest for Humanity innovatively positions globalization as a deterministic phenomenon of expanding interdependence and shared knowledge — resulting in ever-larger economic and political jurisdictions, but also creating social and psychological links between peoples across the world. Boldt challenges mainstream certainty that Western democracy and constitutional human rights are the exemplary doctrines for the global good society. With a fresh vision designed to inspire a universal acknowledgement of human dignity, A Quest for Humanity powerfully affirms the value of each human being.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442696792
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	07/09/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Menno Boldt is a professor emeritus in the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface

Prologue 

PART ONE: THE NATURE OF GLOBALIZATION

1 A Theory of Globalization

2 The Reality of Globalization

3 Globalization and the United States

Summary

PART TWO: SOCIAL ORDER IN THEORY AND PRACTICE

4 A Theory of Social Order

5 Social Order in the Modern Age

Summary

PART THREE: SOCIAL ORDER IN THE GLOBAL AGE

6 Human Rights and the Global Good Society

7 Globalization and Social Order

Summary

PART FOUR: SOCIAL ORDER AND THE GOOD SOCIETY

8 Social Order by Design

9 Global Moral Social Order

Summary

PART FIVE: MYTHS OF REALITY

10 Scientific and Theological Myths of Reality

11 A Humane Myth of Reality

Summary

Epilogue

Bibliography

Index

What People are Saying About This

David Newhouse

‘The ideas that Menno Boldt presents in A Quest for Humanity clearly reflect a lifetime’s worth of work. With intriguing depth, Boldt conceptualizes human history as a millennia-long process of globalization – a term he defines in a completely novel way, using both power and knowledge terms. His narrative is also effective, telling a story without revealing its ultimate meaning to you or instructing you on how to act. You are instead left to conclude: how can I use this new understanding to behave differently?’

Wendell Bell

‘This stunning work deserves to be read widely. Menno Boldt redefines the meaning of the good society and, in a highly informed, thoroughly argued manner, details how we humans might achieve it. I was both intellectually challenged and emotionally moved as I came to understand Boldt’s vision of universal and equal human dignity through “transcendent humanity.” It has forced me to rethink some of my long-held views and understandings.’

Editorial Reviews

'This stunning work deserves to be read widely. Menno Boldt redefines the meaning of the good society and, in a highly informed, thoroughly argued manner, details how we humans might achieve it. I was both intellectually challenged and emotionally moved as I came to understand Boldt's vision of universal and equal human dignity through "transcendent humanity." It has forced me to rethink some of my long-held views and understandings.'—Wendell Bell, Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology, Yale University
'The ideas that Menno Boldt presents in A Quest for Humanity clearly reflect a lifetime's worth of work. With intriguing depth, Boldt conceptualizes human history as a millennia-long process of globalization – a term he defines in a completely novel way, using both power and knowledge terms. His narrative is also effective, telling a story without revealing its ultimate meaning to you or instructing you on how to act. You are instead left to conclude: how can I use this new understanding to behave differently?'—David Newhouse, Department of Indigenous Studies, Trent University

From the Publisher