George Washington and the Politics of Honor

FAIN: FEJ-309479-25

Carson Lynn Holloway
University of Nebraska, Omaha (Omaha, NE 68182-0001)

Research and writing toward a book on George Washington's understanding of the role of honor in politics.

I intend to write a scholarly book on George Washington's understanding of the role of honor in politics. The work is projected to include the following chapters: 1) An introduction, making the case for the study of honor. 2) A chapter on Washington's understanding of honor as an inducement to, and as a guide in conducting oneself in, offices of high political responsibility. 3) A chapter on honor and the office of the presidency. 4) A chapter on national honor and dignity. 5)A chapter on the honor due to God, or on the role of religion in politics. 6) A conclusion on the challenges of honoring Washington today, in view of recent criticisms of him and the Founders more generally for their role in injustices such as slavery.