Winner of the 2004 Edward Goodwin Ballard Book Prize in Phenomenology presented by the Center for Advanced Research in Phenomenology with interest from a fund raised from Professor Ballard's family, students, and friends Kindness and the Good Society utilizes phenomenology and a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional sources to provide the first comprehensive account of kindness in any genre of philosophy. Remarkably rich in descriptive detail and drawing upon a wide range of examples, including literary sources, current affairs, and traditional philosophical texts, Hamrick's book rescues kindness from the purposeful neglect of deontological and utilitarian ethical theories. Beginning with an account of the personal and social areas of ethical and moral comportment, Hamrick addresses what is not intuitively obvious about kindness and its opposite, details a critical kindness that avoids both naiveté as well as popular cynicism, and guides us toward a new notion of aesthetic humanism.

The power of kindness can easily be underestimated. In a world where we're all so focused on ourselves and our own goals, it can be difficult to recognize the power of a simple act of kindness. But the truth is that kindness is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It can have a transformative impact on individuals and on society as a whole. The power of kindness is rooted in the simple idea that when we treat others with kindness, we help them to feel valued and respected. This sense of being valued and respected is essential for our well-being and for the functioning of society. Kindness creates a positive ripple effect, where the kindness of one person encourages others to be kind in return, creating a cycle of kindness. Kindness is also associated with a variety of positive psychological benefits. Research has shown that kindness can improve physical and mental health, reduce stress, and even lead to greater life satisfaction. Kindness is also a key factor in building and maintaining relationships. When we show kindness to others, they are more likely to reciprocate, which can help us form strong and lasting bonds. Finally, kindness can have a powerful impact on society as a whole. Kindness can help create a sense of community and connectedness and can even lead to positive social change. Kindness can help bridge divides and foster understanding between different groups of people. In short, the power of kindness is vast and far-reaching. It can have a powerful and transformative impact on individuals, relationships, and society as a whole. In this chapter, we will explore the power of kindness in more detail, as well as discuss the ways in which we can cultivate kindness in our daily lives.

This unique, holistic and radical perspective on participatory practice has been updated to reflect on advances made in the past decade and the impact of austerity. The innovative text bridges the divide between community development ideas and practice and considers how to bring about transformative social change.