Abolitionism: Unterschied zwischen den Versionen

Zeile 62: Zeile 62:
Another open question refers to the pre-conditions that allowed the abolitionist discourse to gain hegemonial status within half a century.
Another open question refers to the pre-conditions that allowed the abolitionist discourse to gain hegemonial status within half a century.


#What influence the claim that slavery was unjust - and what made this claim successful? Here we touch upon [http://commonsenseatheism.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Gallie-Essentially-Contested-Concepts.pdf essentially contested concepts] and fundamental conflicts that have been riveting the public of all ages and cultures. By definition, abolitionists turn against an established order by challenging the legitimacy of one of its legal institutions (e.g. slavery) which they, the abolitionists, claim to be utterly unjust and morally completely untenable. This radical reproach does not make them popular with the defenders of the status quo. More often than not they picture abolitionists as irresponsible and dangerous radicals at the lunatic fringes of society. Every now and then, though, history concedes victory to the abolitionist cause - such as in the case of slavery. In those cases, abolitionism gains high respect after victory, and to have overcome an inhumane institution suddenly turns into a source of pride for the whole nation.
What influence the claim that slavery was unjust - and what made this claim successful? Here we touch upon [http://commonsenseatheism.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Gallie-Essentially-Contested-Concepts.pdf essentially contested concepts] and fundamental conflicts that have been riveting the public of all ages and cultures. By definition, abolitionists turn against an established order by challenging the legitimacy of one of its legal institutions (e.g. slavery) which they, the abolitionists, claim to be utterly unjust and morally completely untenable. This radical reproach does not make them popular with the defenders of the status quo. More often than not they picture abolitionists as irresponsible and dangerous radicals at the lunatic fringes of society. Every now and then, though, history concedes victory to the abolitionist cause - such as in the case of slavery. In those cases, abolitionism gains high respect after victory, and to have overcome an inhumane institution suddenly turns into a source of pride for the whole nation.


Did the "innocence" of the slaves play a role in abolitionist narratives? How did worldly (human rights) and religious (salvery as a sin) arguments relate to each other? What was the role of popular books (Uncle Tom's Cabin) and symbols (Wedgwood medallions) in convincing the larger public of the abolitionist cause?
Did the "innocence" of the slaves play a role in abolitionist narratives? How did worldly (human rights) and religious (salvery as a sin) arguments relate to each other? What was the role of popular books (Uncle Tom's Cabin) and symbols (Wedgwood medallions) in convincing the larger public of the abolitionist cause?
31.738

Bearbeitungen