What Happened to Civility

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In this insightful exploration, Ann Hartle examines the modern concept of civility—the social bond essential for peaceful coexistence within Western political and social structures—and questions its apparent decline. Addressing the growing cultural divisions in our postmodern, post-Christian society, she traces their origins to the Reformation and the work of Michel de Montaigne. Montaigne's philosophical endeavor to blend ancient philosophy with Christianity aimed to forge a new social bond, representing an early form of self-conscious civility. After analyzing Montaigne's ideas, Hartle reflects on contemporary society, positing that civility is a human, philosophical construct, which is also the reason for its failures. She emphasizes the vital role of sacred tradition in sustaining civility and advocates for the protection of this social bond through support for nonpoliticized, nonideological institutions, particularly universities and churches. This work is directed at those troubled by the erosion of civility in public discourse and the defense of religious freedom. It will also appeal to philosophers seeking to understand modernity, political scientists examining liberalism's challenges, and scholars focused on Montaigne's Essays.