Frederick Douglass A Critical Reader [Paperback]

In this powerful volume, 15 leading American philosophers examine and critically reassess Douglass's significance for contemporary social and political thought.

Philosophically, Douglass's work sought to establish better ways of thinking, especially in the light of his convictions about our humanity and democratic legitimacy - convictions that were culturally and historically shaped by his experience of, and struggle against, the institution of American slavery.

Contributors include Bernard R. Boxill, Angela Y. Davis, Lewis R. Gordon, Leonard Harris, Tommy L. Lott, Howard McGary, and John P. Pittman.Acknowledgments.

List of Contributors.

Preface.

Introduction.

Part I: Racial Assimilation And Emigration:.

1. Douglass against the Emigrationists: Bernard R. Boxill.

2. Douglass on Racial Assimilation and Racial Institutions: Howard McGary.

3. Douglass's Assimilationism: John P. Pittman.

Part II: Natural Law And American's Founding Documents:.

4. Natural Law in the Constitutional Thought of Frederick Douglass: David E. Schrader.

5. Whose Fourth of July? Frederick Douglass and 'Original Intent': Charles W. Mills.

Part III: Enlightenment And Enslavement:.

6. The Claims of Frederick Douglass Philosophically Considered: Roderick M. Stewart.

7. The Grammar of Civilization: Douglass and Crummell on Doing Things with Words: Stephen L. Thompson.

Part IV: Moral Suasion And Rebellion:.

8. Douglass as an Existentialist: Lewis R. Gordon.

9. Honor of Insurrection or A short Story about why John Brown (with David Walker's Spirit) was Right and Frederick Douglass (with Benjl³&