Politics and Human Nature - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312626258 ISBN 13: 9780312626259

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1983

Synopsis

Human nature is political, and this volume explains why and how. It is of interest to students of political thought and behaviour, as well as those studying the history of ideas and political philosophy.

The subjects discussed in this book include the conceptions of human nature at the heart of political argument and theory; the identification of major theories of human nature and the functions they perform in epistemological and explanatory terms; the examination of key individual thinkers and major intellectual traditions, probing the origins and impact of each view of human nature and assessing their theoretical and practical strengths; as well as a practical orientation, focusing on specific areas of politics, to highlight the role played by often competing theories of human nature and so contrast their accuracy and efficacy. The conclusion brings into close contrast the separate theories of human nature as it applies to politics, throwing into sharp relief the major problems found in its varied form and usage, and pinpoints the prerequisites for the sound but fruitful study of politics and human nature.

About this title

About the Author:

Ian Forbes is a former Professor of Politics at the University of Nottingham, UK. Steve Smith is Professor of International Studies and Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, UK.

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1983
• ISBN 10: 0312626258
• ISBN 13: 9780312626259
• Binding: Hardcover
• Editor: Forbes Ian, Smith Steve