Description
Book SynopsisIn this long-overdue analysis of Scottish political philosopher John Macmurray, Frank G. Kirkpatrick traces the influences and development of Macmurray's thought. Through his study, Kirkpatrick explores the extraordinary resonances of Macmurray's political thought in modern philosophers and comments on his enduring significance.
Trade ReviewThis is an important book, not only because it breaks new ground in the articulation and exploration of one of the most profound yet undeservedly neglected philosophers of the 20th century, but also because in revealing the genius of its subject (John Macmurray) Frank Kirkpatrick helps us to engage with some of the most important social and political challenges of our time. -- Michael Fielding, University of Sussex
A timely retrieval of a seminal political and religious thinker. Kirkpatrick performs an essential service in making the work of John Macmurray available to 21st century debates about freedom, justice, community and society. -- Christopher Lind, Senior Fellow, Massey College; Executive director, Sorrento Center
Kirkpatrick presents a clear introduction to the whole of Macmurray's work. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Frank Kirkpatrick has written a deceptively short and simple work. It contains an excellent brief biography as well as a clear, concise and precise account of John Mcmurray's thought. * Political Studies Review *
Frank Kirkpatrick reminds us how much we need to hear the voice of John Macmurray for Macmurray touches on issues and frames his philosophical discourse in ways that make possible a dialogue between those concerned with the importance of the human freedomand individuality with those for whom equality and justice are of prime value. Macmurray's relational model of human nature challenges not only pessimistic interpretations of human nature, but assumptions that govern human behavior. Living in a societythat is dominated by forms of market fundamentalism Macmurray, in effect, brings into question competitive, individualist, and reductionistic understandings of human possibilities that stand in marked contrast to seeing community as a way of affirming the mutuality of relations among persons and fostering a concern once again for the common good. In addition, Kirkpatrick's understanding of Macmurray provides a venue for a discussion of religion, and its importance in human life, that is not reducible totheological abstractions or divisive religious claims. -- Robert H. Craig, The College of St. Scholastica
Frank Kirkpatrick reminds us how much we need to hear the voice of John Macmurray for Macmurray touches on issues and frames his philosophical discourse in ways that make possible a dialogue between those concerned with the importance of the human freedom and individuality with those for whom equality and justice are of prime value. Macmurray's relational model of human nature challenges not only pessimistic interpretations of human nature, but assumptions that govern human behavior. Living in a society that is dominated by forms of market fundamentalism Macmurray, in effect, brings into question competitive, individualist, and reductionistic understandings of human possibilities that stand in marked contrast to seeing community as a way of affirming the mutuality of relations among persons and fostering a concern once again for the common good. In addition, Kirkpatrick's understanding of Macmurray provides a venue for a discussion of religion, and its importance in human life, that is not reducible to theological abstractions or divisive religious claims. -- Robert H. Craig, The College of St. Scholastica
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 An Intellectual Biography of John Macmurray: From Evangelicalism to Marxism Chapter 3 Macmurray's Engagement with Marxian Thought in the 1930s Chapter 4 Community in Marx and Macmurray: A Reappraisal Chapter 5 Christianity, Fascism, and the Clue to History Chapter 6 The Gifford Lectures: The Self as Agent Chapter 7 The Gifford Lectures: Persons in Relation Chapter 8 Macmurray and Contemporary Political Philosophy Chapter 9 The Family and Small Communities in Political Thought Chapter 10 Democracy, Human Nature, and the Nation-State Chapter 11 Bibliography Chapter 12 Index Chapter 13 About the Author
