Limits of Political Theory: Oakeshott's Philosophy of Civil Association (British Idealist Studies, Series 1: Oakeshott) - Hardcover

McIntyre, Kenneth B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1845400100 ISBN 13: 9781845400101

Publisher: Imprint Academic, 2004

Synopsis

This book examines Oakeshott's political philosophy within the context of his more general conception of philosophical understanding. The book stresses the underlying continuity of his major writings on the subject and takes seriously the implications of understanding the world in terms of modality. The book suggests strongly that Oakeshott’s philosophy of political activity cannot be reduced to a branch of conservatism, liberalism, or postmodernism or a theory or set of doctrines which fit neatly into any conventional school, like that of Idealism or Skepticism. Rather, Oakeshott’s philosophy of political activity is a provocation to all of the currently dominant schools of political theory and political practice. It questions their presuppositions and exposes as ambiguous, arbitrary, or confused all of the supposed certainties which they take for granted. It does all this by offering profound insights into the character and limits of both political activity and political theory in the modern world.

About this title

About the Author:

Kenneth B. McIntyre is an assistant professor of political science at Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky.

Review:

"McIntyre's thoughtful, intelligent study will not resolve the debate but will certainly contribute to it, and is highly recommended."

(James G. Mellon Political Studies Review)

About this edition

• Publisher: Imprint Academic
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1845400100
• ISBN 13: 9781845400101
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 220