In this brilliant, controversial, and profoundly original book, Benjamin R. Barber fundamentally alters the terms of the current debate over the value of opportunity in American education, politics, and culture.Barber argues that the fashionable rallying cries of cultural literacy and political correctness completely miss the point of what is wrong with our society. While we fret about "the closing of the American mind" we utterly ignore the closing of American schools. While we wor...

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2011 im Fachbereich Politik - Politische Theorie und Ideengeschichte, Note: 1,0, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Geschwister-Scholl-Institut), Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Ich setze mich in dieser Hausarbeit mit Benjamin Barbers Konzeption der infantilisierten Gesellschaft auseinander. In seinem Buch Consumed! beschreibt Barber eine Gesellschaft, die unter dem Monopol des triumphierenden Kapitalismus in einen Narzissmus der Verbraucher hineinschlittert. Er...

Theories of Democracy builds on Robert Dahl's observation that there is no single theory of democracy; only theories. Beyond the broad commitment to rule by the majority, democracy involves a set of contentious debates concerning the proper function and scope of power, equality, freedom, justice, and interests. In this anthology, Ronald J. Terchek and Thomas C. Conte have brilliantly assembled the works of classical, modern, and contemporary commentators to illustrate the deep and diverse ...

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2010 im Fachbereich Politik - Sonstige Themen, Note: 1,7, Universität Rostock, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Theoretiker direkter Demokratie kritisieren das zu Apathie führende liberal-repräsentative System und sehen reale Einflussmöglichkeit und Teilnahme an der Politik als zwei korrelierte Faktoren. Einen derartigen Ansatz verfolgt auch der amerikanische Demokratietheoretiker Benjamin Barber im Werk „Starke Demokratie“ von 1984. Ein Klassiker der Direktdemokratie...

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2010 im Fachbereich Politik - Politische Theorie und Ideengeschichte, Note: 2,0, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: In der Bundesrepublik wird oft beklagt, dass das Volk lediglich zur Stimmabgabe am Wahltag gefragt wird, ansonsten aber aus dem gesetzgeberischen Prozess ausgeschlossen wird. In Barbers Theorie geschieht, wie später in dieser Arbeit noch dargestellt wird, genau dieses nicht. Hier ist jeder einzelne Bürger in der Gemeinschaft für...

Benjamin Barber is one of America's preeminent political theorists. He has been a significant voice in the continuing debate about the nature and role of democracy in the contemporary world. A Passion for Democracy collects twenty of his most important writings on American democracy. Together they refine his distinctive position in democratic theory. Barber's conception of "strong democracy" contrasts with traditional concepts of "liberal democracy," especially in its emphasis on ...

In the face of the most perilous challenges of our time—climate change, terrorism, poverty, and trafficking of drugs, guns, and people—the nations of the world seem paralyzed. The problems are too big, too interdependent, too divisive for the nation-state. Is the nation-state, once democracy's best hope, today democratically dysfunctional? Obsolete? The answer, says Benjamin Barber in this highly provocative and original book, is yes. Cities and the mayors who run them can do and are doing...

Ideas and the presidency flirt with each other, but can they really get along?President Clinton had a romance with big ideas. He intently cultivated intellectuals, seducing them with his characteristic charm and with the promise of real influence on the political stage. Yet most often he disappointed the big thinkers whose advice he sought.Benjamin Barber was first invited to Camp David in 1994, along with other prominent members of the academic community, ...

Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2009 im Fachbereich BWL - Offline-Marketing und Online-Marketing, Note: 2,0, AMD Akademie Mode & Design GmbH, Veranstaltung: Modetheorie - Modemanagement, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: Im Kontext des Konsums und des Kaufrauschs vertritt der einflussreiche Politikwissenschaftler Benjamin Barber eine wichtige Position: Eine Umstrukturierung des psychologischen Haushalts ist erfolgt, denn das protestantische Ethos wurde vom infantilistischen Ethos abgelöst. Nach seine...

JIHAD VS. MCWORLD is an essential text for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing us after the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and in light of the current conflict in the Middle East. In a groundbreaking work, political scientist Benjamin R. Barber offers a penetrating analysis of the central conflict of our times: consumerist capitalism versus religious and tribal fundamentalism. These diametrically opposed but intertwined forces are tearing apart - and bringing together...

A pointed argument that cities—not nation-states—can and must take the lead in fighting climate changeClimate change is the most urgent challenge we face in an interdependent world where independent nations have grown increasingly unable to cooperate effectively on sustainability. In this book, renowned political theorist Benjamin R. Barber describes how cities, by assuming important aspects of sovereignty, can take the lead from faltering nation states in fighting climate change. B...

The description for this book, The Conquest of Politics: Liberal Philosophy in Democratic Times, will be forthcoming.