The Ar chitects of Dignity introduce Vietnamese political thought to debates in political theory\, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge We stern conventional wisdom. Kevin D. Pham traces an intergenerational debate among six influential figures in colonial Vietnam. These figures had compe ting visions for how the Vietnamese should respond to French colonial domin ation\, what the Vietnamese should do with their traditions given the influ x of political and social ideas from the West\, and how they should harness feelings of national shame to construct national dignity. Their answers of fer 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 Theo ry in the Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. H is work explores the history of nineteenth and twentieth century political thought. He is interested in how ideas of democracy\, freedom\, and revolut ion 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 P olitical Theory\, The Review of Politics\, Polity\, New Political Science\, The European Legacy\, and Mon taigne Studies. Some of these articles are the first to introduce Viet namese political thought to the field of political theory.
Participan ts 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 tr ouble accessing the readings\, please email qhuang98@mail.ubc.ca to enquire about PDF files.
The conve rsation will begin with brief remarks from Professor Pham about the motivat ion behind the book. Participants will be invited to share their own reflec tions\, thoughts\, and connections made with the assigned chapters. Breakfa st 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/archit ects-of-dignity/.
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