Overview of Politics and Altruism
Politics is often seen as corrupt and unreliable, and many people feel unrepresented by it. Yet, this used to be different: after World War II, politics offered hope and the promise of a better world.
Change in Thinking
From the 1970s onward, the image changed due to the rise of conservative economists who placed self-interest at the center. Government mainly got the role to withdraw, making politicians hard and citizens turn away from politics.
Importance of Altruism
The political scientist Deborah Stone argues that democracy actually depends on altruism, the selfless helping of others. This motivates people to even take risks for the well-being of their fellow human beings. For example, a home care worker explains why she risks her job to support a patient who is threatened with being cut off from care due to budget cuts.
The Samaritan's Dilemma calls for restoring public space as a place where citizens can live out their moral values. When the government helps the community, citizens will again be willing to actively co-govern. Everyday altruistic actions form a foundation for citizenship and strengthen the sense of community.
Application
This book offers a hopeful vision of politics and is suitable for education, work, and self-study, with attention to language level C1–C2. Intertaal is your reliable supplier and guarantees fast delivery.