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Description

What can theology offer philosophical discussions of autonomy? In this distinctive collection of essays, Insole and DeSpain lead a cadre of academics from across the world in answering this question. In doing so, they challenge the narrow conception of 'liberalism' that has characterised much of the discussion around autonomy.

The contributions disrupt traditional methodologies by starting with analyses of urgent and concrete situations where the concept of autonomy is employed, misappropriated or even challenged. These scenarios include essays on trauma, transgender issues, disability and end-of-life debates. This volume also explores broader political issues that relate to autonomy such as democracy, the economy and migration.

Each chapter maintains a focused concern with social justice whilst demonstrating how a religious dimension can expand our understanding of the concept of autonomy. This is sure to be a valuable resource for any theologians, philosophers or intellectual historians looking to view autonomy from a fresh and contemporary angle.

Table of Contents

Introduction (Christopher J. Insole, Durham University, UK and Benjamin R. DeSpain, Australian Catholic University, Australia)

Part I

Autonomy and Trauma

1. Trauma and Autonomous Agency (Diana Tietjens Meyers, University of Connecticut, USA)

2. The Trauma of Chattel Slavery: (im)Possibility of Agency/Autonomy (M. Shawn Copeland, Boston College, USA)

3. Response to M. Shawn Copeland and Diana Meyers (Shelly Rambo, Boston University, USA)

Autonomy and Gender Identity


4. Autonomy and Trans People (Susannah Cornwall, University of Exeter, UK)

5. Transformative Autonomy, Or: Why Christianity cannon include the one twin (converts) and exclude the other (transgender people) (Matthias Wirth, University of Bern, Switzerland)

6. Reponses to Susannah Cornwall and Mathias Wirth (Gerlad McKenny, University of Notre Dame)

Autonomy and Disability

7. Disability and the Double Edge Sword of Autonomy (Anita Ho, University of British Columbia, Canada)

8. Preserving Autonomy and Rights in the Context of Disability Theology (Michael Mawson, Charles Sturt University, Australia)

9. Independent Flourishing: A Theological-Ethical Response to Anita Ho and Michael Mawson (Yves de Maeseneer, KU Leuven, Belgium)

Autonomy and End-of-Life Issues

10. The Autonomy Paradox: Reflection on Dutch Euthanasia Practice (Theo Boer, Protestant University at Groningen, Netherlands)

11. Autonomy's Suicide (Nigel Biggar, Oxford University, UK)

12. Response to Nigel Biggar and Theo Boer (David Kirchhoffer, Australian Catholic University, Australia)

Part II

Autonomy and Representation

13. Autonomy, Value, and the Unalienated Life: An Interview with Akeel Bilgrami (Christopher J. Insole, University of Durham, UK)

14. Autonomy, Domination, Abuse (Vincent Lloyd, Villanova University, USA)

15. Autonomy and the Politics of Resistance and Transformation: A Response to Akeel Bilgrami and Vincent Lloyd (Linda Hogan, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)

Autonomy, Economy and Money

16. Autonomy, Social Structure, and the Economy: Freedom within Restriction and Opportunity (Daniel K. Finn, College of Saint Benedict and St John's University, USA)

17. Rescuing Autonomy from Money: Challenging the UBI Narrative (S. Steward Braun, Australia Catholic University, Australia)

18. Supporting Autonomy in Structures of Inequality: A Response to Daniel Finn and Stewart Braun (Kate Ward, Marquette University, USA)

Autonomy and Migration


19. Fearful Symmetry: Autonomy and Solidarity in Kakuma (William O'Neill, Santa Clara University, USA)

20. Autonomy and Refugee Experience: An Interview with Anna Rowlands (Christopher J. Insole, Durham University, UK)

21. Response to William O'Neill and Anna Rowlands (Kristin Heyer, Boston College, USA)

Product details

Published Jul 24 2025
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Extent 296
ISBN 9780567720719
Imprint T&T Clark
Dimensions 234 x 156 mm
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Anthology Editor

Christopher J. Insole

Christopher J. Insole is Professor of Philosophica…

Anthology Editor

Benjamin R. DeSpain

Benjamin R. DeSpain is a Senior Research Fellow in…

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