The Pursuit of Equality

“All men are created equal,” states the Declaration of Independence, asserting that this is a “truth” that is “self-evident.” Really? Ever since, we’ve been arguing about the meaning and promise of this recognition of equality. Eighty-seven years after 1776, on a blood-soaked battlefield, Lincoln proclaimed us a nation “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” What do we mean by this today, after the passage of another 159 years? What is the equality we are affirming and pursuing? What does it mean for voting? For education? For jobs? For personal health and safety? We’ll look at some texts and numbers available online and talk among ourselves.  

Resources will be available online.

Doug Bennett has taught courses in political philosophy and public policy at Temple University and at Earlham College, from which he retired as President Emeritus.