Politics, Economy, and Society: Writings and Lectures, Volume 4

Paul Ricoeur's philosophy is rarely viewed through the lens of political philosophy, but his writings address questions of power, and how to live together in the polis. This volume brings together a selection of his texts spanning six decades, presenting his political project in coherence and diversity. Ricoeur argues that the political is the realm of a tension between rationality and irrationality, and that citizens should be aware of the limits of power and respectful of the freedom of their citizens.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

Paul Ricoeur's philosophy is often overlooked in the realm of political philosophy, yet his writings consistently addressed issues of power and coexistence within the polis. This comprehensive volume brings together a selection of his texts spanning six decades, from 1958 to 2003, showcasing the coherence and diversity of Ricoeur's political project.

In Ricoeur's perspective, the political realm is characterized by a tension between "rationality" (the pursuit of coherent explanations of the world) and "irrationality," which manifests itself in force and repression. This "political paradox" lies at the heart of politics, as the desire to explain the world leads to its own form of violence: the more one seeks the good, the more one is inclined to impose it. Ricoeur cautions citizens, the guardians of democracy, against any totalizing system of thought and any dogmatic understanding of history. Power should be divided and controlled, and Ricoeur advocates for a form of political liberalism where states are aware of their limits and respectful of the freedom of their citizens.

These lesser-known political texts by one of the twentieth century's foremost philosophers offer valuable insights into a range of political and ethical concerns. From questions of power and repression to those of ethics, identity, and responsibility, these texts will be of interest to students and scholars of philosophy, politics, and theology, as well as to anyone engaged with the pressing political issues of our time.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 234 x 163 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509543861