The Essential Communitarian Reader

by Amitai Etzioni (Editor), Ronald Bayer (contributor)

This outstanding new book shows why communitarian thought has had such a profound influence on contemporary American public policy, from strengthening our neighborhoods to fighting AIDS and educating our children. Edited by Amitai Etzioni, founder of the Communitarian Network and author of the best-selling books The Spirit of Community and The New Golden Rule , this comprehensive collection contains essays written by the nation's most respected thinkers. See why politicians as diverse as Vice President Al Gore and Jack Kemp view communitarian social philosophy as the most practical way of restoring America's communities and redeeming its political institutions.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics

300 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[John Schaberg]

I was very surprised how many policy changes in the 90's were a direct result of Communitarian thought. This school of thought is very close to my heart.

We all must ask, what is our responsibility to the community. Act like citizens of the community and not consumers of government services.

OK - I will get off my high horse.

[Soha Bayoumi]

If you're interested in seeing how fascist and socially and culturally conservative communitarianism is (in the words of communitarian authors), you should read this book!

[J Grimsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting Reader in a Economic/political/Moral Philosophy which I have only heard about as The Third Way

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being 25 years old, this book holds up remarkably well as a scattershot of communitarian perspectives at the time of publication. I was surprised to see that many of the issues discussed have only continued to become more relevant over time, and that many of the concerns raised about political developments have come to fruition. Having a revival of communitarian thought and greater attention to the principles and ideals of American democracy would be a welcome change to our current polarized way of thinking and deliberation.