Solidarity: Theory and Practice

by Arto Laitinen Tampere University (Editor), Anne Birgitta Pessi (Editor), Hauke Brunkhorst Flensburg University (Contribution by), Simon Derpmann (Contribution by), Heikki Hiilamo (Contribution by)

Overview

This book brings together philosophers, social psychologists and social scientists to approach contemporary social reality from the viewpoint of solidarity. It examines the nature of different kinds of solidarity and assesses the normative and explanatory potential of the concept. Various aspects of solidarity as a special emotionally and ethically responsive relation are studied: the nature of collective emotions and mutual recognition, responsiveness to others’ suffering and needs, and the nature of moral partiality included in solidarity. The evolution of norms of solidarity is examined both via the natural evolution of the human “social brain” and via the institutional changes in legal constitutions and contemporary work life. This text will appeal to students, scholars, and anyone interested in the interdisciplinary topic of social solidarity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739177280
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	12/16/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	370
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Arto Laitinen is professor of philosophy at University of Tampere.

Anne Birgitta Pessi is professor in church and social studies at the University of Helsinki.

Table of Contents

1. Solidarity—Theory and Practice. An Introduction, Arto Laitinen & Anne Birgitta Pessi
2. Solidarity—Unpacking the Social Brain, Siegwart Lindenberg
3. Collective Emotions as the ‘Glue’ of Group Solidarity, Mikko Salmela
4. Empathy and our Relations to Others, Kristen Renwick Monroe
5. Solidarity, Moral Recognition, and Communality, Simon Derpmann
6. From Recognition to Solidarity: Universal Respect, Mutual Support,
and Social Unity, Arto Laitinen
7. Solidarity and Work: a Reassessment, Nicholas H. Smith
8. Solidarity in Times of Crisis—Constitutional Evolution
and Europe, Hauke Brunkhorst
9. National Social Models and Helping Others in
the European Union, Juho Saari & Anne Birgitta Pessi
10. Solidarity and Motivations to Help Others: the Case of Finns, Arto Laitinen & Anne Birgitta Pessi
11. Solidarity in a Nordic Welfare State: the Case of Finland, Heikki Hiilamo
12. Distant Suffering, Volunteering, and Solidarity, Bente Nicolaysen

Editorial Reviews

Arto Laitinen and Anne Birgitta Pessi have edited a unique collection of essays focusing on the theory and practice of solidarity from a perspective defined by philosophical theories of recognition and emotions on the one hand, and social-scientific work on welfare and helping cultures and practices on the other hand. Authored by leading experts in the field, the volume represents precisely the kind of philosophy enriched by in-depth empirical studies–or empirical social science enriched by philosophical analysis–that we need in the complex social world we live in.

Sami Pihlström

Solidarity is one of those concepts that numerous people in all types of occasions use, yet it lacks a clear definition and too little has been studied about it. Arto Laitinen and Anne Birgitta Pessi provide us with the first comprehensive and well thought out treatment of this concept. This volume is a foundational piece upon which the academic and public discourse of "solidarity" will be examined for years to come. There will be no serious discussion of solidarity without reference to this seminal work.

Ram A. Cnaan

Arto Laitinen and Anne Birgitta Pessi have edited a unique collection of essays focusing on the theory and practice of solidarity from a perspective defined by philosophical theories of recognition and emotions on the one hand, and social-scientific work on welfare and helping cultures and practices on the other hand. Authored by leading experts in the field, the volume represents precisely the kind of philosophy enriched by in-depth empirical studies–or empirical social science enriched by philosophical analysis–that we need in the complex social world we live in.

Sami Pihlström