Identity Crisis

by Jeremy Stangroom

Published 2 June 2009
This title is to be published in a brand new series of stimulating and provocative books examining contemporary social issues from a philosophical perspective, written in an engaging and accessible style and aimed at the educated general public.Since 9/11, issues of identity - national, religious, ethnic, community and personal - have been at the heart of political debate in the West. In the UK, re-evaluating the idea of 'Britishness' and the limits, merits and future of multiculturalism is the major political challenge of the new millennium. In the US, a nation built on immigration, the events of 9/11 cut across established issues and patterns of identity in complicated ways.In the immediate aftermath, the USA experienced an upsurge in national pride. Yet, this national unity has turned out to be fragile. Identity is inevitably a major part of public discourse in the West. Yet, politicians, political commentators and media pundits show little awareness of the philosophical and sociological complications that these issues raise. This book addresses that deficit by exploring the philosophical implications of and for identity.
Articulate, provocative and stimulating, Identity Crisis makes a significant contribution to a crucial contemporary debate.