Overview

Democracy is struggling in an age of populism and post-truth. In a world swirling with competing political groups stating conflicting facts, citizens are left unsure whom to trust and which facts are true. The role of honesty in civic life is in jeopardy. When we lose sight of the importance of honesty, it hampers our ability to solve pressing problems. Teaching Honesty in a Populist Era asserts that to better enable young citizens to successfully engage in civic inquiry, the role of honesty must be foregrounded within education. The book posits that honesty is a key component of a well-functioning democracy. Building upon this foundation, Sarah M. Stitzlein defines what honesty is, how it is connected to truth, and why both are important to and at risk in democracies today. Furthermore, the chapters offer guidance on how honesty and truth should be taught in schools. Situated within the philosophical perspective of pragmatism, the book examines the relationships between honesty, truth, trust, and healthy democratic living and provides recommendations for improving citizenship education and our ability to engage in civic reasoning. Teaching Honesty in a Populist Era offers an improved path forward within our schools by detailing how to cultivate habits of truth-seeking and truth-telling. Such honesty will better enable citizens to navigate our difficult political moment and increase the likelihood that citizens can craft long-term solutions for democratic life together.

Full Product Details

9780197853788

Table of Contents

Reviews

""Stitzlein covers issues of dissent, truth seeking, and inquiry as a practice of democracy in this exploration of citizenship education."" -- Choice ""In an era of political upheaval and uncertainty about democracy, when neighbors are skeptical of neighbors and politicians alike, Teaching Honesty in a Populist Era offers a refreshing take on how we might behave differently: Honestly and truly with one another. The book is a thoughtful combination of philosophy and practical writing, leaning on the pragmatism of John Dewey to guide us through the complexity of our current political lives."" -- Jane Lo, Journal of International Social Studies

Author Information

Sarah M. Stitzlein is Professor of Education and Affiliate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cincinnati. Her research explores educating for democracy, political agency, and civic engagement. She is the author of Learning How to Hope and American Public Education and the Responsibility of its Citizens, and Senior Editor of the journal Democracy & Education.

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