Freedom Is Power
Liberty through Political Representation

A novel, sophisticated and realistic account of freedom as power through political representation.

Lawrence Hamilton (Author)

9781107062962, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 31 July 2014

244 pages
22.9 x 15 x 2 cm, 0.5 kg

'In the context of 'complex modern polities and economies' - which is Hamilton's relentless and entirely appropriate focus - these 'institutional arrangements' ineluctably include arrangements for political representation. The underdiscussed importance of this, for Hamilton, derives from the fact that freedom involves the 'means and ability to determine who governs my political association or community - that is, the power to determine who represents me politically'.' Andrew Dobson, European Political Science

Using the history of political thought and real-world political contexts, including South Africa and the recent global financial crisis, this book argues that power is integral to freedom. It demonstrates how freedom depends upon power, and contends that liberty for all citizens is best maintained if conceived as power through political representation. Against those who de-politicise freedom through a romantic conception of 'the people' and faith in supposedly independent judicial and political institutions, Lawrence Hamilton argues that real modern freedom can only be achieved through representative and participative mechanisms that limit domination and empower classes and groups who become disempowered in the conflicts that inevitably pervade politics. This is a sophisticated contribution to contemporary political theory that will be of interest to scholars and students of history, politics, philosophy, economics, sociology, development studies and Southern African studies.

Introduction
1. Freedom from politics
2. Freedom through politics
3. Power, domination and human needs
4. Real modern freedom
5. Freedom and representation
6. Can and ought our political representatives control the economy?
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Politics & government [JP], Social & political philosophy [HPS]