"It is possible to have an active public life and stay true to the highest ethical aspirations"
In a book published by Cambridge University Press, ICS research fellow, David Thunder, discusses what it means to be a good citizen
"It is possible to have an active public life and stay true to the highest ethical aspirations," or so claimed David Thunder, research fellow at the Institute Culture and Society (ICS) of University of Navarra, on the publication of his new book, Citizenship and the Pursuit of the Worthy Life, recently published by Cambridge University Press.
As he noted, this attitude is reflected in the popular notion that "public officials sometimes have to get their 'hands dirty' as their positions demand." In this regard, he mentioned the case of the United States, "Where many people believe that torture can be justified for security reasons."
As a solution, the Religion and Civil Society scholar proposes a holistic view of the citizen, which integrates roles and civic activities in the broadest sense of a person's life.
Political common good and the happiness of citizensDavid Thunder emphasized that citizens have a tendency to isolate their political role in the search for a dignified life. "This separation has negative consequences in everyday life," he highlighted and continued, "One of them is that people are less sensitive to the political common good because they perceive it as external to their own happiness."
To overcome this problem that manifests itself in "apathy and disillusionment with public life," the ICS scholar proposes his vision of what it means to be a good citizen: "It does not just mean voting, paying taxes or caring about local politics; it involves a 'personal matter.' There are many ways to be a good citizen, such as operating a business that contributes to the common good in society."
For more information about the book see the following link
Media contacts who wish to obtain a copy can request one from Rebecca O'Brien of Cambridge University Press: robrien@cambridge.org