Political Philosophy
What It Is and Why It Matters

Ronald Beiner focuses on twelve prominent twentieth-century philosophers and employs critical dialogue to clarify their intellectual contributions to the field of political philosophy.

Ronald Beiner (Author)

9781107680555, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 August 2014

304 pages
22.6 x 15 x 1.8 cm, 0.41 kg

'[Beiner] examines concepts and systematizations regarding esotericism, performative politics, the common good, and communicative rationality, among others. Furthermore, he does so in an accessible, nearly jargon-free, discursive style with detailed knowledge and intelligent discussions of the twelve theorists. The quality of Beiner's intellectual presence affirms his own right to occupy a thirteenth place in this volume of political philosophy. Summing up: highly recommended.' J. R. Pottenger, Choice

What is political philosophy? Ronald Beiner makes the case that it is centrally defined by supremely ambitious reflection on the ends of life. We pursue this reflection by exposing ourselves to, and participating in, a perennial dialogue among epic theorists who articulate grand visions of what constitutes the authentic good for human beings. Who are these epic theorists, and what are their strengths and weaknesses? Beiner selects a dozen leading candidates: Arendt, Oakeshott, Strauss, Löwith, Voegelin, Weil, Gadamer, Habermas, Foucault, MacIntyre, Rawls, and Rorty. In each case, he shows both why the political philosophies continue to be intellectually compelling and why they are problematic or can be challenged in various ways. In this sense, Political Philosophy attempts to draw up a balance sheet for political philosophy in the twentieth century, by identifying a canon of towering contributions and reviewing the extent to which they fulfil their intellectual aspirations.

1. First prologue: horizons of political reflection
2. Second prologue: Freud, Weber, and political philosophy
3. Hannah Arendt: the performativity of politics
4. Michael Oakeshott: life's adventure
5. Leo Strauss: the politics of philosophy
6. Karl Löwith: in awe of the cosmos
7. Excursus on nature and history in the Strauss–Löwith correspondence
8. Eric Voegelin: modernity's vortex
9. Simone Weil: the politics of the soul
10. Hans-Georg Gadamer: philosophy without hubris
11. Jürgen Habermas: politics as rational discourse
12. Michel Foucault's carceral society
13. Alasdair MacIntyre: fragmentation and wholeness
14. Short excursus on the rise and decline of communitarianism as a political philosophy
15. John Rawls and the death of political philosophy
16. Richard Rorty: knocking philosophy off its pedestal
or, the death of political philosophy postmodernized
17. Epilogue: on not throwing in the towel.

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