Ken Plummer - Critical Humanism

1 Series page ‘This book is an extraordinarily brave and enormously comprehensive attempt to re-energize an interest in the battered concept of humanism. Ken Plummer’s agenda for a new politics of humanity explicitly recognizes the manner in which past “humanisms” have been undermined by ethnocentrism and cultural insensitivity. These, and other impediments to a “critical humanism”, are courageously confronted in a volume that fully realizes its author’s intention to provide “a vision of something better”.’ Laurie Taylor, Emeritus Professor, University of York, and presenter of Thinking Allowed , BBC Radio Four ‘In Critical Humanism , Ken Plummer engages with an extraordinary range of different literatures and a lifetime of reflection to consider what it will take to be truly human in the twenty-first century. We should grapple seriously with his impassioned and challenging arguments.’ Rob Stones, Professor of Sociology, Western Sydney University ‘Ken Plummer’s mission has been to expand the range and depth of decencies; here he seeks larger principles on which to ground mutual regard. This is a fundamental study – rooted in conscience, sociological learning and intimate generosity. Critical Humanism stirs the mind.’ Harvey Molotch, Professor Emeritus, New York University, and University of California, Santa Barbara

2 Dedication page Dedication In loving memory of my dear brother, Geoff Plummer (1942–2020)

3 Title page Critical Humanism A Manifesto for the Twenty-First Century Ken Plummer polity

4 Copyright page

5 Boxes, Tables and Figures

6 Acknowledgements

7 Introduction

8 I Rethinking the World: Connecting Humanity

9 1 Critical Humanism

10 II Dehumanizing the World: Disconnecting Humanity

11 2 Damaging Humanity

12 3 Dividing Humanity

13 4 Traumatizing Humanity

14 III Humanizing the World: Flourishing Humanity

15 5 Narrating Humanity

16 6 Valuing Humanity

17 7 Transforming Humanity

18 IV Transforming the World: A Politics and Literacy for Humanity

19 8 A Critical Humanist Manifesto for the Twenty-First Century

20 Epilogue:On Being Well in the World – The Joys of Everyday Living

21 Short Guide to Further Reading

22 Index

23 End User License Agreement

1 Cover

2 Contents

3 1 Critical Humanism

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‘This book is an extraordinarily brave and enormously comprehensive attempt to re-energize an interest in the battered concept of humanism. Ken Plummer’s agenda for a new politics of humanity explicitly recognizes the manner in which past “humanisms” have been undermined by ethnocentrism and cultural insensitivity. These, and other impediments to a “critical humanism”, are courageously confronted in a volume that fully realizes its author’s intention to provide “a vision of something better”.’

Laurie Taylor, Emeritus Professor, University of York, and presenter of Thinking Allowed , BBC Radio Four

‘In Critical Humanism , Ken Plummer engages with an extraordinary range of different literatures and a lifetime of reflection to consider what it will take to be truly human in the twenty-first century. We should grapple seriously with his impassioned and challenging arguments.’

Rob Stones, Professor of Sociology, Western Sydney University

‘Ken Plummer’s mission has been to expand the range and depth of decencies; here he seeks larger principles on which to ground mutual regard. This is a fundamental study – rooted in conscience, sociological learning and intimate generosity. Critical Humanism stirs the mind.’

Harvey Molotch, Professor Emeritus, New York University, and University of California, Santa Barbara

In loving memory of my dear brother,

Geoff Plummer (1942–2020)