Philosophical Perspectives on Contemporary Ireland

This book is the first to bring a philosophical lens to socio-political and cultural issues in twenty-first-century Ireland, exploring themes such as diaspora, exile, return, womens bodies and autonomy, historic injustices and national healing, remembering and commemoration, institutionalization and containment, colonialism and Ireland as home, conflict and violence, Northern Ireland and the peace process, nationalism, patriotism, and masculinities, ethnicity, immigration, and identity, and translation, art, and culture. It will appeal to a broad audience of scholars and advanced students and engage those interested in contemporary Ireland from policy and civil society perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book is the first to apply a philosophical lens to the socio-political and cultural issues of twenty-first-century Ireland. While the social, political, and economic landscape of contemporary Ireland has sparked extensive scholarly debate both within and beyond the field of Irish Studies, there has been a notable absence of philosophical voices in these discussions. The primary objective of this volume is to enrich the fields of Philosophy and Irish Studies by fostering a philosophical exploration of contemporary issues and concerns.

The essays in this collection collectively address a diverse range of philosophical questions about contemporary Ireland by delving into various themes, including:

Diaspora, Exile, and Return: Examining the experiences of individuals and communities who have moved away from or returned to Ireland, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of cultural displacement.

Womens Bodies and Autonomy: Analyzing the challenges and struggles faced by women in Ireland, exploring issues of gender equality, reproductive rights, and the intersection of feminism and Irish culture.

Historic Injustices and National Healing: Investigating the legacies of historical injustices, such as the Irish Civil War, the Great Famine, and colonialism, and exploring strategies for national healing and reconciliation.

Remembering and Commemoration: Exploring the ways in which individuals and communities remember and commemorate historical events, examining the role of memory in shaping collective identities and promoting social change.

Institutionalization and Containment: Examining the role of institutions, such as the government, the church, and the media, in shaping contemporary Irish society, exploring issues of power, authority, and social control.

Colonialism and Ireland as Home: Analyzing the complex relationship between Ireland and its colonial past, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the construction of national narratives.

Conflict and Violence: Investigating the causes and consequences of conflict and violence in contemporary Ireland, exploring issues of justice, peacebuilding, and the role of social movements in addressing these issues.

Northern Ireland and the Peace Process: Examining the political, social, and cultural dynamics of Northern Ireland and the ongoing peace process, exploring themes of identity, nationalism, and reconciliation.

Nationalism, Patriotism, and Masculinities: Analyzing the complex relationship between nationalism, patriotism, and masculinity in contemporary Ireland, exploring issues of gender, power, and social change.

Ethnicity, Immigration, and Identity: Examining the experiences of diverse ethnic groups in Ireland, exploring issues of identity, belonging, and the politics of multiculturalism.

Translation, Art, and Culture: Exploring the role of translation, art, and culture in shaping contemporary Irish society, examining the ways in which these forms of expression contribute to the construction of Irish identity and culture.

Philosophical Perspectives on Contemporary Ireland makes a substantial contribution to contemporary theorizations of Ireland by incorporating both Irish and transatlantic perspectives. This book will appeal to a wide audience of scholars and advanced students working in philosophy, Irish Studies, feminist theory, history, legal studies, and literary theory. Furthermore, it will engage those interested in contemporary Ireland from policy and civil society perspectives.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book offers a unique and valuable perspective on contemporary Ireland by bringing a philosophical lens to the socio-political and cultural issues of our time. It is a testament to the power of philosophy to enrich our understanding of the world and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the future of Ireland and beyond.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032337623