Conservatism - Hardcover

HONDERICH, Ted

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0241129990 ISBN 13: 9780241129999

Publisher: Hamish Hamilton, 1990

Synopsis

'A powerful critique of the major beliefs of modern Conservatism.' Bhikhu Parekh, New Statesman / 'The whole book must be read. Indeed, only the final page, like a good detective story, brings with it the full philosophical discovery.' Observer / This is a new edition of a classic work by one of the world's leading progressive political philosophers. Ted Honderich examines ideology and reality in British and American politics in order to establish the true distinctions of conservatism. Conservatives often claim to believe in reform, but not change, to rely on instinct rather than abstract theories. So what is the conservative rationale? Does conservatism have a philosophical founding principle that unifies it? Ted Honderich's search for the fundamental principle of conservatism is an enlightening one. He examines influential thinkers in the conservative tradition, from Edmund Burke and Adam Smith to Michael Oakeshott and Robert Nozick. He brings rigorous analytic philosophy to bear on the Republican party in the United States, and the Conservative party and the New Labour party in Britain. This lucid book, written with wit and clarity, is fully revised and updated in order to give a rigorous and complete analysis of conservatism up to the American election of 2004. Honderich's subtle analysis is not without the book will continue to be of interest to all students of politics, and anyone who wants a broader understanding of what today's politicians owe to the conservative tradition.

About this title

About the Author

Ted Honderich is the Grote Professor Emeritus of the Philosophy of Mind and Logic at University College London and the author of many books.

Review

'A powerful critique of the major beliefs of modern Conservatism.' --Bhikhu Parekh, New Statesman  'The whole book must be read. Indeed, only the final page, like a good detective story, brings with it the full philosophical discovery.' --Observer  'A tumultuous onslaught ... a substantial piece of work.' -- The Times, London

'Honderich's polemic has considerable force.' -- Financial Times

'Relentlessly, fiercely argued.' -- Philosophical Books

'[A powerful critique of the major beliefs of modern conservatism.' -- New Statesman

'[An extended analysis of conservative political theory by an eminent radical philosopher.' -- Utilitas

Edition details

• Publisher: Hamish Hamilton
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0241129990
• ISBN 13: 9780241129999
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 255