Some Observations on Recent Political Philosophy and Theory

Abstract

The past five years have marked a creative period for political philosophy and theory. Pronounced as dead or dying by some observers only a decade or so ago, there has been, more recently, a recognition of a significant renaissance in this age-old tradition of inquiry. Major figures doing independent and original work in political philosophy are discussed; then the significant outpouring of studies in the history of political thought is treated. Finally, attention is focused on key works of more immediate relevance to the current crisis of advanced industrial society. A concluding section deals with the controversy over the meaning of political philosophy and theory; the author indicates his approach to this problem.