For common things
Subtitle: irony, trust, and commitment in America today
By: Jedediah Purdy.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: A.A. Knopf
Published: 1999
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 226
Subjects: Social participation -- United States; Social action -- United States; United States -- Social conditions -- 1980-; United States -- Politics and government -- 1993-2001
Description: "Jedediah Purdy persuasively argues the necessity and satisfactions of social and political reengagement and of renewed attention to the "common things" we all have a stake in: the environment, education, culture, law, and government. Drawing on a wide range of sources - from Thoreau to Seinfeld - he contemplates such questions as the use of irony in popular culture, the breakdown of our political processes, and the moral and legal dilemmas posed by technological advances.

In these and other discussions, he lures us away from disbelief and detachment toward a sincere devotion to the healing and betterment of society."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [211]-215) and index.