The Architects of Dignity introduce Vietnamese political thought to debates in political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge Western conventional wisdom. Kevin D. Pham traces an intergenerational debate among six influential figures in colonial Vietnam. These figures had competing visions for how the Vietnamese should respond to French colonial domination, what the Vietnamese should do with their traditions given the influx of political and social ideas from the West, and how they should harness feelings of national shame to construct national dignity. Their answers offer surprising lessons for how we in the West can enhance our understanding of decolonization, shame, dignity, and cross-cultural engagement.
Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Theory in the Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His work explores the history of nineteenth and twentieth century political thought. He is interested in how ideas of democracy, freedom, and revolution travel across cultures and are adapted by thinkers engaged in political struggle, both in and outside “the West.” His articles appear in journals such as Philosophy and Global Affairs, European Journal of Political Theory, The Review of Politics, Polity, New Political Science, The European Legacy, and Montaigne Studies. Some of these articles are the first to introduce Vietnamese political thought to the field of political theory.
Participants are asked to read the Introduction, Chapter 1 and Chapter 4 of The Architects of Dignity. The book can be accessed and downloaded via the UBC Library: https://go.exlibris.link/0VhHWQQh. If you encounter trouble accessing the readings, please email qhuang98@mail.ubc.ca to enquire about PDF files.
The conversation will begin with brief remarks from Professor Pham about the motivation behind the book. Participants will be invited to share their own reflections, thoughts, and connections made with the assigned chapters. Breakfast will be provided. All are welcome; no RSVP is required.
Professor Pham will also be giving a talk on his book on the same day, from 3 PM to 5 PM. For more information, please visit https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/architects-of-dignity/.