Second Appeal

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