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How do we form a connection to the ideals and institutions of public life? This connection is sometimes expressed in the language of civic engagement, public service, and commitment to the public good. While we do not lack for literature to guide us in thinking about public life, we have less to call on when our problem is not only to explore public ideals and institutions, but also to consider the nature and origin of our capacity to make a connection with and find meaning in those institutions and ideals. Levine explores the nature and origin of this capacity to form a connection and find meaning.

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Civic Engagement Engagement and Trust Subjectivity and Mourning Tolerance Diversity Teaching and Learning Common Ground

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"Considering the historical moment we are living through and the current policy debates and political challenges for an ostensibly polarized America, David Levine asks some fundamental questions not asked presently by most economists, political scientists, policy analysts and academics, politicians, and public administrators - questions that ought to be at the forefront of the present dialogue in American politics. The author gives us a persuasive conceptual framework for understanding the paradox of civic engagement in the liberal state." - Michael A. Diamond, Professor and Director, Center for the Study of Organizational Change, Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs, University of Missouri, USA

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DAVID P. LEVINE is Professor and Associate Dean in the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, USA.

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