Location: KTH – B124

The Puzzle of Solidarity
The frequent appeal to solidarity made in both theory and daily life might suggest that we have a clear understanding of its nature. However, beyond these appeals, there is relatively little theoretical work on the nature of solidarity. Unsurprisingly, there is even less inquiry about the criteria for a good theory of solidarity. This talk aims to establish a criterion of adequacy for theories of solidarity by elucidating a puzzle. The puzzle arises from the fact that solidarity takes two distinct and yet related forms. The criterion claims that a theory of solidarity must account for the unity of these two forms. To be more specific, I argue for this tripartite criterion: A theory of solidarity ought to explain (1) how a group of people can be a solidary group, (2) how those outside of a solidary group can be in solidarity with them, and (3) how intra-group and cross-group solidarity are instances of the same general phenomenon.

Speakers

Dr. Alex Lefermann
Assistant Professor (CLA)
Department of Philosophy
McMaster University