Description
Book SynopsisThis innovative approach to freedom starts from an account of what we mean by describing someone, in a psychological vein, as a free subject. Pettit develops an argument as to what it is that makes someone free in that basic sense; and then goes on to derive the implications of the approach for issues of freedom in political theory.
Trade Review"[A] tightly structured and superbly organized work."
Times Literary Supplement 'A Theory of Freedom is full of fresh and stimulating arguments on all the topics addressed, and draws useful and interesting connections between issues that are ordinarily treated in isolation from each other. It displays an almost breathtaking elegance of conception.' R. Jay Wallace, Department of Philosophy, University of California at Berkeley
"Pettit's work is, as can be expected from the author, full of incisive comments and enlightening observations, woven together in ingenious ways, and deserves to be read by any serious student of metaphysical or political freedom." Mind
"A Theory of Freedom and Government (1997) has been described by many as 'landmark work' on the republican model of political life. Even if he had only done this work Pettit's intellectual achievement would be considerable". Acta Politica
"Pettit argues his case engagingly and this book deserves a wide audience. Pettit provides a concise and accomplished volume which in large part achieves its aim and should be of interest to both domestic and international political theorists". Kirsten Ainley
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1
1 Conceptualizing Freedom 6
2 Freedom as Rational Control 32
3 Freedom as Volitional Control 49
4 Freedom as Discursive Control 65
5 Freedom and Collectivization 104
6 Freedom and Politicization 125
7 Freedom and Democratization 152
Conclusion 175
References 180
Index 188
