Freedom Rising
Subtitle: Human Empowerment And The Quest For Emancipation
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: Dec 23, 2013
Format: paperback
Number of pages: 472
ISBN-13: 9781107664838
Description: "This book presents a comprehensive theory of why human freedom gave way to increasing oppression since the invention of states - and why this trend began to reverse itself more recently, leading to a rapid expansion of universal freedoms and democracy. Drawing on a massive body of evidence, the author tests various explanations of the rise of freedom, providing convincing support of a well-reasoned theory of emancipation. The study demonstrates multiple trends toward human empowerment, which converge to give people control over their lives. Most important among these trends is the spread of "emancipative values," which emphasize free choice and equal opportunities. The author identifies the desire for emancipation as the origin of the human empowerment trend and shows when and why this desire grows strong; why it is the source of democracy; and how it vitalizes civil society, feeds humanitarian norms, enhances happiness, and helps redirect modern civilization toward sustainable development"--
Notes: Source title: Freedom Rising: Human Empowerment And The Quest For Emancipation