Progressive Anonymity

Continuing her visionary work in social-political philosophy, Zack critiques identity politics as perpetuating damaging essentialist perspectives and policies. The antidote to identity group egoism is anonymity based on relevant shared interests and a meritocracy led by experts chosen without preference for group affiliation or political charisma.

Naomi Zack critiques identity politics and argues that both political and social identities should not enter democratic government. She proposes evidence-based government by anonymous stakeholders, without preference for group affiliation or political charisma. Central to this book is the theme that government should have an enduring goal of minimizing misery. Toward that goal, the imperfections of evidence, matched by the imperfections of democracy, need to be accepted in commitments to piecemeal public policies that benefit and include oppressors as well as the oppressed. This strategy preserves the social compact idea that government exists for the benefit of all those governed. Zack’s original work will be useful to both scholars and students interested in studies of race, political philosophy, social philosophy, and cultural criticism.

Introduction and Chapter Overview

1. Political Diagnoses Post World War II and the Need for Identity Politics

2. From Society to Government: Problems with Identity Politics

3. Universalism or Force: Inclusion or Domination

4. White Supremacy, white supremacy, and Status: The Racism of Race

5. Evidence-based Government

6. Problems with Evidence

Conclusion

Postscript