Zygmunt Bauman is one of the leading figures in contemporary social thought. His work ranges across issues of ethics; culture and politics. It never forgets that social thought ought to help men and women make sense of their lives and aspire towards something different. His books and essays always focus on the here and now: violence and moral indifference; globalization; consumerism; politics and individualization. They cast a sharp eye on the panaceas of 'there is no alternative'; the embrace of community and the fads of the 'counselling boom'; through which men and women are told that they can achieve biographical solutions to what are; in fact; systemic problems. In this new book; Zygmunt Bauman and Keith Tester engage in five accessible conversations that uncover and explore the assumptions and commitments underpinning Bauman's ground-breaking social thought. The conversations show how those commitments have influenced Bauman's analyses of modernity; postmodernity and 'liquid modernity'. The book ranges widely; from autobiographical reflection through to pointers for the understanding and future of Bauman's social thought. The conversations illustrate the moral substance of Bauman's refusal to accept that the world cannot be made different. They show why social thought is a human necessity. Conversations with Zygmunt Bauman is a book which will offer fresh insight into Bauman's work for those who are familiar with it; and provide an engaging and helpful entry point for those who are new to it.
#241656 in Books White; Ronald C.; Jr. 2006-11-07 2006-11-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .80 x 6.12l; .69 #File Name: 0743299620256 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Lincoln's Second; but Finest InauguralBy Tom RiddleRonald C. White offers great insight into the setting and style of that early March day; in the year 1864; as well as a detailed breakdown of the speech that is considered as one of the finest speeches in American History today. Although I purchased this as part of an AP US History course many years ago; I find myself flipping through and reading sections of it from time to time each year out of the second copy I have. I will not go into my personal thoughts on his speech as most have; but overall a great read. Second copy of the book came a little later than the original time stated; hence the reason for 4 stars.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Lincoln BookBy Bryan DietzlerThis is a great book about the greatest speech ever given. It gives great; easy to understand detail about the speech; it's origin and it's meaning and what affect it had on the country. I really enjoyed reading this book. A must for any Lincoln fan.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. MarvelousBy RWRMainerI have always been moved by President Lincoln's Second Inaugural and was amazed at the language and the pictures the speech produced. Ronald C. White Jr. Has provided the background and staging to make this speech even more amazing. In one book we learn more about President Lincoln; more about the Civil War; more about slavery and more about human psychology. A great book about a great speech.
