Learning How to Hope
Reviving Democracy through our Schools and Civil Society
Sarah M. Stitzlein
Reviews and Awards
"In this timely book, Stitzlein draws on the current political moment to envision hope not as a sentimental antidote to polarization and despair but rather as a foundation for pragmatist civic action. Grounding hope in a set of habitual actions that sustain both citizens and their society, this book illuminates ways to enact civic, pluralistic solidarity which would enable the American political community to transcend challenges to democracy through shared action." -- Sigal Ben-Porath, Professor of Education, Political Science and Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania
"John Dewey has a new champion. Drawing on the rich tradition of philosophical pragmatism, Sarah Stitzlein presents a bracing diagnosis of American schools and American culture. Everyone interested in improving American education should read this inspiring and instructive book." -- James T. Kloppenberg, Charles Warren Professor of American History, Harvard University and author of Toward Democracy and Reading Obama
"This book is a welcome addition to the literature on hope, and helps push our understanding beyond familiar political slogans and cloying greeting-card messages. Stitzlein's background in political theory and pragmatism allows the discussion to range well beyond the usual confines of analytic moral psychology and philosophy of mind, while her expertise in the philosophy of education makes the book especially valuable for teachers interested in how hoping can help us learn, and how learning can foster new hopes." -- Andrew Chignell, Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Religion and Philosophy, Princeton University
