Models Of Democracy - Softcover

HELD

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745600441 ISBN 13: 9780745600444

Publisher: Polity Press, 1986

Synopsis

How should we understand the nature and scope of democracy? To what domains of life should it be applied? Or, alternatively, should democracy be clearly defined to maintain other important ends? This study examines changing responses to these questions from classical Athens to modern times. The context, nature and limits of each major development in democratic theory are explored. Among the thinkers discussed are Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Wollstonecraft, Rousseau, Mill and Marx, as well as 20th-century analysts of democracy including Weber, Dahl, Hayek and Macpherson. The book concludes with an argument that seeks to move contemporary discussion beyond the seemingly endless juxtaposition of one classical position with another. It defends a conception of democracy that departs decisively from both the liberal and Marxist traditions. David Held is the author of "Introduction to Critical Theory: Horkheimer to Habermas", "Habermas: Critical Debates", co-author of "Classes, Power and Conflict: Classical and Contemporary Debates", "States and Societies" and "State and Society in Contemporary Britain".

About this title

Review

′A wonderful elaboration of the first edition. Models provides a comprehensive introduction to democratic thought and practice while developing novel arguments about the nature and possibilities of democracy in the contemporary world.′ Jane Mansbridge, Harvard University

′With its deepening of historical focus, and its authoritative treatment of the novel democratic problems and opportunities presented by the collapse of the Soviet Empire and the increasing globalization of politics, this new edition should deservedly hold its place as the most accessible and comprehensive introduction to democracy available today.′ David Beetham, University of Leeds

′The first edition of this book showed that it was a classic of its kind, the second edition confirms its indispensability.′ Raymond Plant, St Catherine′s College, Oxford

From the Back Cover

The first edition of Models of Democracy has proved immensely popular among students and specialists world–wide. In a succinct but far–reaching analysis, David Held provides an introduction to central accounts of democracy from classical Greece to the present and a critical discussion of what democracy should mean today.

The second edition has been extensively revised and updated to take account of the significant transformations in world politics during the past ten years. These changes are reflected in new chapters on the impact on democracy of the fall of the Soviet empire, the prospects of the democratic nation–state in the light of the intensification of regionalization and globalization, and the future of democracy in a more global era.

The second edition also takes account of the considerable scholarship in political thought in the last decade, and of the challenges it poses to our understanding of the democratic heritage. This has led to a new chapter on republicanism and to thoroughly revised or updated chapters on classical Athens, liberalism, Marxism, the competitive elitism of Weber and Schumpeter, pluralism, and the post–war polarization of democratic ideals.

Like its predecessor, the second edition of Models of Democracy combines lucid exposition and clarity of expression with careful scholarship and originality making it highly attractive both to students and to experts in the field. The second edition will prove essential reading for all those interested in politics, political theory and political philosophy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Polity Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0745600441
• ISBN 13: 9780745600444
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 336