Concepts of Solidarity in the Political Theory of Hannah Arendt
In: Canadian journal of political science: CJPS = Revue canadienne de science politique : RCSP, Volume 25, Issue 4, p. 723-736
ISSN: 0008-4239
Four concepts of solidarity -- ie, exclusive, inclusive, universal, & natural -- contained in the writings of Hannah Arendt are examined, arguing that Arendt's appreciation for facts & skepticism of publicly displayed emotion are justified. Consideration is also given to the relative contributions of emotion & cognition in influencing one's comprehension of solidarity, & to Arendt's own sense of shame regarding her humanity. It is maintained that: Arendt's taxonomy of solidarity is inadequate & inconsistent; authentic solidarity is founded on, & profoundly informed by, social facts rather than emotions; & Arendt's comments on public housing reveal her refusal to consider society as anything more than a corruption of the private & a threat to the public sphere. W. Howard