Description
Book SynopsisThis book brings together leading scholars to discuss what it means to be a political philosopher, how political philosophy should be practised and what the right relationship is between political philosophy, history and real politics. It thus addresses a central debate for all students and scholars of political philosophy.
Trade Review'This volume is a welcome addition to the literature on the methodologies of the history of political thought and political philosophy. All the essays are of top quality and are written by contributors with an international reputation in the field. Variety in content and argument gives a sense of genuine debate and suggests new perspectives on the central issues under discussion.' Jeremy Jennings, Professor of Political Theory, Queen Mary, University of London
'For almost half a century, philosophers and historians have disputed the ownership of political thought. Like many territorial battles, this one has been fought on uncertain terrain, with poorly marked boundaries. Political Philosophy versus History? brings a very welcome clarity to the issues at stake. If it does not settle all the issues, it enables the reader to identify them much more clearly than hitherto. The essays are marked by deep learning, lucidity, meticulousness, and a welcome concern to do justice to all sides of an often contentious debate.' Alan Ryan, Professor Emeritus of Political Theory, University of Oxford
'The contributors to Floyd and Stears' Political Philosophy versus History? engage in a series of spirited inquiries into the relationship between political philosophy and history. In so doing they mount challenges to 'contextualism' and assess the possibilities and prospects for a distinctly 'realist' mode of theorizing that is at once historically situated and normatively grounded. The essays collected here challenge, and will likely change, the terms of contemporary debates about the character and condition of political theory in our time.' Terence Ball, Professor, School of Politics and Global Studies, Arizona State University
Table of ContentsIntroduction Jonathan Floyd and Marc Stears; 1. Rescuing political theory from the tyranny of history Paul Kelly; 2. From contextualism, to mentalism, to behaviourism Jonathan Floyd; 3. Contingency and judgement in history of political philosophy Bruce Haddock; 4. Political philosophy and the dead hand of its history Gordon Graham; 5. Politics, political theory, and its history Iain Hampsher-Monk; 6. Constraint, freedom, and exemplar Melissa Lane; 7. History and reality Andrew Sabl; 8. The new realism Bonnie Honig and Marc Stears; Afterword Jonathan Floyd.
