Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Article I: Analysis of David Walker's Appeal Chapter 3 Article II: Against Identity Theology Chapter 4 Article III: The Essence of Freedom Chapter 5 Article IV: On Values Chapter 6 Index Chapter 7 Author Bio

About the Author

Daphne M. Rolle received her Ph.D. in 2002 from Purdue University, where she studied under Dr. Leonard Harris. She now teaches African-American philosophy and American philosophy at Ball State University. She lives in central Indiana with her husband and two children.

Reviews

Dr. Rolle's passion for philosophers to move beyond platitudes and esoteric debates is inspiring and contagious. My deep hope is that her colleagues will take seriously their role in effecting positive, lasting change in the larger society.
*Larry Smith, director, Millennium Initiative, The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University*

Rolle uncovers Walker's concept of freedom - not one based on liberal individual free will but one based on freedom from insult and race-based oppression. Rolle also uncovers Walker's justification for insurrection, his biblical basis, and his rejection of pacifism or moral suasion. Walker's 'identity theology,' similar to 'liberation theology' is made explicit - God is a God that makes 'distinctions' and thereby favors one social category over another. Here is where Rolle enters…making values central; foregrounding concepts such as salvation, responsibility, reciprocity; and Rolle argues for a concept of freedom that is neither contingent on romanticizing individual freedom of the will nor social liberation. Occasionally speaking in the same collective voice as Walker, (We), Rolle's "we" is different than Walker's. Rolle's literary strategy works. It creates a 'Second' Appeal and thereby contributes a fascinating, albeit controversial, intellectual dialogue on a classical text.
*Leonard Harris, Ph.D., director, Philosophy and Literature Ph.D. Program, Purdue University*