Reason's Inquisition: On Doubtful Ground

Reasons Inquisition: On Doubtful Ground explores political philosophy before and after Alfarabi, examining theory and practice, reason and revelation, and the relation between thinkers ancient and modern. It includes unpublished studies on Alfarabi, Hobbes, Strauss, Voegelin, Shakespeare's Macbeth, Marlowes Doctor Faustus, and Rousseaus reversal of Plato, as well as essays on Kierkegaard and Heidegger.

Format: Hardback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Reasons Inquisition: On Doubtful Ground is a comprehensive exploration of political philosophy before and after Alfarabi, encompassing a wide range of thinkers from Thucydides to Leo Strauss and Eric Voegelin. These previously unpublished studies delve into theory and practice, reason and revelation, and the relationship between ancient and modern thinkers. One surprising aspect of the book is the portrayal of Platonist Alfarabi as a critic of Plato's theory in the name of practice, while Alfarabi and Hobbes share a common interest in a theory commensurate with action. Strauss, Voegelin, and Lucien Febvre all explore the problem of reason and revelation in relation to the limits of human knowledge. A thorough study of Shakespeare's Macbeth examines the ambiguity of nature and knowledge in relation to male and female, good and evil, present and future. The contrast between ancients and moderns is evident in questions of the modern aspects of Marlowe's Doctor Faustus and Rousseau's reversal of Plato. Kierkegaard and Heidegger bring radical modernity into focus against a Platonic background in the closing essay. These diverse essays aim to follow the thinkers and themes explored in turning a critical gaze upon reason itself.

Weight: 617g
Dimension: 239 x 161 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666921953