Beyond Civility in Social Conflict

Russell P. Johnson teaches religious studies and philosophy at the University of Chicago. He has published articles on political polarization, the philosophy of communication, and ethics in popular movies. His research analyses how 'good guys versus bad guys' stories shape how we understand ourselves, imagine our enemies, and work for social change. Beyond Civility in Social Conflict is his first book.

• Introduction; 1. The three voices in the ethics of communication; 2. The rules are broken: dilemmas of restraint in war and social conflict; 3. Integral communication; 4. Illusions and indirect communication; 5. 'Dynamically aggressive': the rhetorical force of nonviolent direct action; 6. Sharing the good news: integral communication and Christian theology.

'Russell Johnson's work offers a long-needed companion to work within the fields of social conflict which analyzes the way in which speech contributes to or deforms justice within social relationships. Social conflict research frequently addresses the material conditions or the frameworks within which conflict can take place, but Johnson's inclusion of rhetoric within this field is a very welcome addition. He is extremely well-versed in the literature surrounding rhetoric and social conflict, and demonstrates here an exceptionally adept ability to construct an original rhetorical alternative. In both drawing on the insights of familiar figures, and integrating these into a coherent Christian ethical approach, he constructs a compelling alternative for effective rhetorical engagements.' Myles Werntz, Abilene Christian University