A Genealogy of the Good and Critique of Hubris: A History of the Discourse on Social Welfare in the United States

In A Genealogy of the Good and Critique of Hubris, Phillip Dybicz employs a deep historical analysis to the field of social welfare in a highly untraditional manner. He explores what gains are being made across various eras in our wisdom to humanely provide relief to those in our society that are oppressed, dispossessed, and in need in a manner that avoids moral pitfalls. Dybicz adopts Michael Foucault's genealogical method of historical investigation to describe four distinct eras in which a particular discourse dominated our understanding and efforts at social welfare. He examines how economic, political, social, and geographic conditions shape society's perceived needs in social welfare, as well as how prominent intellectual thought, a philosophical paradigm, defining cultural features and themes, and concepts of the self, all serve to shape our understanding of social welfare and what its desired qualities and aims should be. Together, these elements coalesce to form a grand discourse that speaks to an underlying urgent need of society and various rules-of-right that shape knowledge generation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In his groundbreaking work, "A Genealogy of the Good and Critique of Hubris," Phillip Dybicz delves into the field of social welfare with a unique and thought-provoking approach. Rather than following a linear narrative of progress, this book aims to explore a fundamental question: Are we making moral strides in our understanding and administration of social welfare? Written for scholars and practitioners alike, Dybicz's work goes beyond mere technical advancements and focuses on the gains made across different eras in our wisdom to provide humane relief to those who are oppressed, dispossessed, and in need.

Drawing upon Michael Foucault's genealogical method of historical investigation, Dybicz traces the development of social welfare discourse back to the seventeenth century. He identifies four distinct eras during which different discourses dominated our understanding and efforts in this field. By examining the interplay between economic, political, social, and geographic conditions, Dybicz sheds light on how society perceives its social welfare needs. He also explores how prominent intellectual thought, philosophical paradigms, cultural features, and concepts of the self shape our understanding of social welfare and its desired qualities and aims.

These various elements come together to form a grand discourse that speaks to the urgent needs of society and the rules of right that govern knowledge generation. Dybicz's work challenges us to reflect on our moral progress and encourages us to strive for a more just and equitable society. It provides valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike, as they work to address the complex challenges of social welfare and promote the well-being of all members of our society.

Weight: 756g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197670071