| "The basic and fundamental question this book seeks to address is: To what end does the educational Left engage in critical theory? It presents the argument that as valid as the left’s responses have been, they have become increasingly mired in internal divisions and social, educational, and political irrelevance. The book argues that the failure of the Left is not due to its critique or basic proposals, but to the failure to seek a more profound, affective basis for its politics of democratic possibility. It is argued throughout the volume that a politics of hope—one that challenges the “savage inequalities” of our times must being to engage the ethical and moral nature of the above question. To do so means inevitably to do so within a spiritual context. This book attempts to examine how teachers can begin to talk back and break bread. Arguing for a more prophetic vision, the author invites four former students to reflect critically on their practices (two secular and two nonsecular). Within their narrative, as well as with the author’s personal narrative, it is demonstrated that a politics of joy and hope is possible. It is stressed that theoretical meaning making and subsequent practices for our educational institutions must take on social and cultural constraints with alternative spiritual visions. Year: 1998 Pages: 192" |
