Hope Under Oppression

Description

Hope is ubiquitous and valuable in human life. But what is hope, and how can people sustain hope in the face of injustice? This book explores the nature and value of hope under oppression. It addresses what hope is, the value and risks of hope, and hope's relation to other elements of human psychology, including trust, fear, anger, bitterness, faith, and despair. It illustrates the value of hope for both individuals and collectives in the pursuit of justice, and in an increasingly uncertain world.

• Illustrates how philosophical literature can speak to hope's role in real human lives, without the need for a perfect theory of hope
• Offers a philosophical approach that integrates research from moral psychology, social and political theory, feminist theory, critical race theory, and testimony from lived experiences
• Benefits readers by creating new conversations between philosophers and scholars in other disciplines
• Speaks to urgent questions related to readers' personal and political lives

About the Author(s)

Katie Stockdale, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Victoria

Katie Stockdale is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Victoria. Her research is currently on the nature, value, and role of emotions in moral, social, and political life.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Oppression and the Question of Hope
Chapter 1: Hope's Place in Our Lives
Chapter 2: The Value and Risks of Hope
Chapter 3: Hope and Anger
Chapter 4: Losing Hope, Becoming Embittered
Chapter 5: Hope, Faith, and Solidarity
Conclusion: Hope Looking Forward

Reviews

"...Stockdale provides an original and welcome contribution to the literature on hope...Throughout the book, Stockdale draws attention to multiply-oppressed groups...Furthermore, by repeatedly citing the works of women of color...Stockdale elevates the voices of authors from groups traditionally marginalized in philosophy. The originality of Stockdale's exploration of the relationship between hope and anger also deserves praise... [I]t adds to the literature on the moral psychology of hope...Second, the investigation of collective hope highlights the importance of collective emotions to political struggles...Third, this book furthers feminist research on the obstacles to overcoming oppression... on the whole, it will be a valuable book to philosophers in these fields. Moreover...this book will engage readers from a wide range of backgrounds." - Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"Hope under Oppression is a tour de force synthesis of philosophical reflection, political theory, and feminist critique. Katie Stockdale articulates a powerful and unique vision of the roles (both positive and negative) that hope plays our lives as moral agents, community members, activists, and citizens. Her argument that bitterness is sometimes more appropriate than hope—especially under conditions of oppression—is profound and timely. The cross-disciplinary discussion of hope and despair has been very active recently, but this book stands out as a must-read contribution." - Andrew Chignell, Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor in Religion, Philosophy, and the Center for Human Values, Princeton University and Co-director of The Hope and Optimism Project (hopeoptimism.org)

"Stockdale adds a much-needed dimension to the recently burgeoning philosophical literature on hope: sustained attention to the significance of hope and related emotions - bitterness, anger, trust, faith - for oppressed people and communities. Stockdale writes with both philosophical rigor and casual clarity and her book is important for philosophers working on these subjects, and also accessible to readers from outside philosophy seeking to learn about oppression and moral emotions." - Adrienne Martin, Akshata Murty '02 and Rishi Sunak Associate Professor of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and George R. Roberts Fellow, Claremont McKenna College

"Hope is often a balm and an inspiration but sometimes a lure or a trap. It can serve as a lifeline or as a lever for exploitation. What terms of assessment, then, can we bring to our hopes? Stockdale's illuminating book maps the complexities of hope in our personal, social, and political situations as individuals and members of groups. She situates the dynamic role of hope in a larger landscape of potent human emotions, including anger, bitterness, and varieties of faith - spiritual faith, faith in humanity, and moral faith — that can sustain us. Using real and arresting examples, Stockdale spurs a wide, deep, and inclusive conversation about the value and risks of hope." - Margaret Urban Walker, Donald J. Schuenke Chair in Philosophy Emerita, Marquette University