Political Philosophy After 1945

The mid-twentieth century saw a decline in interest in political philosophy, but in 1971, John Rawls' A Theory of Justice revived the subject. Alan Haworth's Political Philosophy After 1945 explores why political philosophy became marginalized and provides an overview of Rawls' theory, comparing it to other philosophers. The book also examines alternative approaches and evaluates the claim that political philosophy exemplifies a moribund 'Enlightenment project.' It is essential reading for students and scholars of political philosophy and serves as an introduction for students from the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the mid-twentieth century, political philosophy faced a decline in interest, with some even declaring it "dead." However, a remarkable transformation occurred in 1971 with the publication of John Rawls' influential work, A Theory of Justice. While Rawls' contribution was significant, the field continued to evolve, opening up new avenues for exploration.

Political Philosophy After 1945, authored by Alan Haworth, delves into the history of political philosophy from the mid-twentieth century to the early twenty-first century. The book explores the reasons why political philosophy became marginalized within mainstream philosophical movements like logical positivism and the Wittgenstein-inspired ordinary language philosophy. It then provides a comprehensive account of Rawls' theory, comparing and contrasting it with the contributions of other philosophers from diverse political perspectives.

The book further examines alternative approaches to political philosophy, offering in-depth analyses of works by renowned thinkers such as Hannah Arendt and Alasdair MacIntyre. It also critically evaluates the claim that political philosophy represents a futile pursuit of the "Enlightenment project." Throughout the book, Haworth strikes a balance between providing a historical context and conducting close textual analysis. He emphasizes the relevance of theoretical issues to practical concerns and questions beyond the realm of theory.

Political Philosophy After 1945 is an essential resource for students and scholars of political philosophy. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the field, presenting the key ideas and theories while also providing insights into the historical development and contemporary debates. The book is also valuable for students from other humanities and social sciences disciplines interested in exploring the complexities of political thought.

In conclusion, political philosophy experienced a resurgence in the mid-twentieth century with the publication of John Rawls' A Theory of Justice. While Rawls' contribution was significant, the field continued to evolve, opening up new avenues for exploration and critical inquiry. Political Philosophy After 1945, authored by Alan Haworth, plays a vital role in documenting this intellectual journey and providing a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138084667