Tradition, Interpretation, and Science Political Theory in The American Academy

Nelson, John S. , editor

ISBN 10: 0887063713 / ISBN 13: 9780887063718

Published by State University of New York Press, Albany, NY, 1986

Seller Inventory # 32893

Synopsis:

This book reassesses the academic field of political theory and brings into sharp relief its problems and opportunities. Here for the first time, diverse theorists coordinate their arguments through a common focus. This focus is the writing of John G. Gunnell.

Gunnell attacks a set of myths said to plague almost every recent theory about politics: the myth of the given, the myth of science, myths of theory, the myth of tradition, and the myth of the political. He argues that these all alienate political theory from substantive inquiry and actual practice.

Contributors include Richard E. Flathman, Russell L. Hanson, George Kateb, Paul F. Kress, J. Donald Moon, John S. Nelson, J.G.A. Pocock, Herbert G. Reid, Ira L. Strauber, Nathan Tarcov, and Sheldon S. Wolin. They respond on behalf of projects in the new history of political theory, epic theory, phenomenology, traditional theory, and political deconstruction. These discussions also address the theories of Hans-Georg Gadamer, Jürgen Habermas, Karl Marx, Leo Strauss, Alain Touraine, and Ludwig Wittgenstein.

At the conclusion of the volume, Gunnell reconsiders his arguments in light of the respondent's remarks. His challenges thus provide a series of confrontations – both exciting and provocative – among major theorists. The result is a lively debate about what political theory is, how it relates to political history and practice, and how it involves epistemology. The authors probe a broad range of questions about practices of politics and traditions of discourse, and they identify priorities for the future of the field.

About the Author: John S. Nelson is associate professor of political science at the University of Iowa. He has published widely on contemporary issues in political science and political theory.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Tradition, Interpretation, and Science ...
Publisher: State University of New York Press, Albany, NY
Publication Date: 1986
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good+
Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket
Edition: First Printing.