Michele Moody-Adams argues that progressive social movements are crucial for understanding and achieving justice, acting as both wellsprings of moral inquiry and agents of social change. She contends that insights from these movements are essential for bridging the gap between theory and practice, informing political thought and activism. By examining examples from abolitionism to Black Lives Matter, Moody-Adams demonstrates how movements pose philosophical questions about justice and how its demands can be met, enriching our understanding of its nature and the creation of space for it in the world.
The book highlights how successful movements utilize the power of imagination to foster political hope, which in turn strengthens the motivation to pursue justice and create institutions and policies that sustain it. Moody-Adams explores what these movements reveal about the essence of social justice, emphasizing that it requires humane regard for others, encompassing both compassionate concern and robust respect. Readers will learn how to draw upon the philosophical and practical principles derived from social movements to enhance their engagement with justice.
Key concepts
- Progressive social movements — Agents of social change and sources of philosophical inquiry into justice.
- Political hope — Inspiration generated by social movements that strengthens motivation for justice.
- Humane regard for others — A core component of social justice, combining compassionate concern and robust respect.
- Bridging the gap between discerning theory and effective practice — A critical function of insights from social movements.