Michele Moody-Adams argues that progressive social movements are crucial sources of moral inquiry and agents of social change, posing philosophical questions about justice and its realization. She contends that insights from these movements are vital for bridging the gap between theory and practice, transforming both political thought and activism. Anyone concerned with justice must examine what these movements teach about its nature and how to create space for it.
The book explores how successful movements utilize imagination to foster political hope, strengthening motivation for justice. It highlights that social justice requires humane regard, combining compassionate concern with robust respect. Readers will learn about the philosophical and practical principles that emerge from social movements, understanding their role as springboards for advancing justice in the world.
Key concepts
- Progressive social movements — Agents of social change that pose philosophical questions about justice.
- Moral inquiry — The process of examining philosophical questions about justice originating from social movements.
- Political hope — The motivation for justice inspired by the transformative power of imagination in social movements.
- Humane regard for others — The combination of compassionate concern and robust respect demanded by social justice.
- Space for justice — The world created to meet the demands of justice, informed by insights from social movements.