Roger Scruton: The Philosopher on Dover Beach: An Intellectual Biography

A brilliant description of Roger Scruton's life and work, with a new Preface and updated Bibliography of Scruton's many literary works over the years. He defended an Hegelian and Burkean view of human nature, opposed the social contract theory, and criticized the European Union and the United Nations. Dooley argues that he was a prophet for our times, courageously rowing against the tide of liberal conviction and arriving at political conclusions that are becoming more and more obvious.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Part of the reason was that he was an unapologetic conservative in the tradition of Edmund Burke. That conservative instinct was sharpened during the Paris riots of 1968. From that point on Scruton set himself the task of stridently opposing what he termed ‘the culture of repudiation’. In so doing he targeted liberals in the tradition of Russell and Mill,existentialists like Sartre and post modernists in the fashion of Foucault.

Here is a brilliant description of Scrutons life and work and a careful analysis of his central ideas. Scruton defended an Hegelian and Burkean view of human nature,one founded on allegiance to the State as the guarantor of tangible freedom. He thus opposed any and all variations of the social contract theory,liberal or existential individualism or philosophical theories of the ‘authentic self in isolation from its kind. His conservative notion of the nation state was used to reflect upon and criticise the European Union,the United Nations and the idea that the Middle East can be reformed along Western democratic lines.

Dooley also explores why Scruton set himself the task of stridently opposing what he termed ‘the culture of repudiation’. He argues that Scruton was responding to a growing sense of disillusionment with the liberal order that had emerged in the aftermath of World War II. The liberal order,which was based on the idea of individualism and social equality,had failed to deliver the promised prosperity and happiness. Instead,it had led to a sense of disintegration and despair.

Scruton,on the other hand,saw the State as a vital institution that could provide the stability and order necessary for human flourishing. He believed that the State should be the guarantor of tangible freedom,such as freedom of speech,property and religion. He also believed that the State should be the protector of traditional values,such as family,community and nationhood.

Despite his conservative views,Scruton was not opposed to progress and innovation. He believed that the State should be the catalyst for social change,but only insofar as it was consistent with the principles of traditional morality and the preservation of the natural order. He was thus opposed to the idea of social engineering and the use of the State to promote social equality and justice.

In conclusion,Mark Dooley has provided a brilliant and insightful portrait of Roger Scruton and his philosophy. Scruton was an unapologetic conservative in the tradition of Edmund Burke,who set himself the task of opposing the culture of repudiation that had emerged in the aftermath of World War II. He defended an Hegelian and Burkean view of human nature,one founded on allegiance to the State as the guarantor of tangible freedom. He also believed that the State should be the protector of traditional values and the catalyst for social change,but only insofar as it was consistent with the principles of traditional morality and the preservation of the natural order.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 216 x 134 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399414197