The Trouble With Passion ─ Political Theory Beyond The Reign Of Reason

Generations of liberal theorists have suggested that one of the guiding purposes of government is to elevate the "dictates of reason and justice" over the "passions of men," to use the words of Alexander Hamilton. Hall (political theory and feminist theory, U. of South Florida) believes that such a separation of passion and reason is neither tenable nor desirable, arguing that dispassion ultimately leads to apathy, immobility, and democratic disintegration, but recognizing that it can to contribute to belligerence, intolerance, and persecution. Her answer to this dilemma, which draws on ideas from Plato, Rousseau, and contemporary feminist theory, lies in the idea that democratic citizens can be educated in their capacities for both reason and passion such that flag-waving, for example, "will symbolize neither chauvinistic pride nor silent obedience but rather a national passion for global justice and vigorous debate." Annotation c2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Cheryl Hall is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Government and International Affairs at the University of South Florida.