Political Philosophies [antikvár]

FOREWORD TO FIRST EDITION TO arouse interest in political philosophies it is necessary to reanimate dead men, forgotten issues, and fading ideas in such a way as to make them vivid and real to modern minds. The method which, in my experience, has tended to accomplish this result most consistently is embodied in this book. Repeated experimentation in presenting political philosophies to groups of various kinds, including college classes, revealed that four kinds of material invariably received closer attention and were more largely remembered than any others. These were: (1) a lively biographical sketch of the man behind the philosophy; (2) a concise exposition of the nature and significance of his work; (3) a paraphrased summary of his major writings and doctrines; and (4) a few characteristic quotations in which he would speak for himself. It was also found that, with a little ingenuity, these materials could be woven into a context in which the philosophy would appear as an integral part of an animated historical scene. Continued use of this method ultimately produced a survey of political philosophies which seemed sufficiently different and also sufficiently useful to justify its transfer to the printed page. This book is the outcome of that endeavor. The reader will quickly note that there has been no attempt to write a critical treatise on political theories or an exhaustive history of political thought. The aim has been merely to tell the story of the most illustrious political thinkers and their works in such a way as to make them live again in the conscious appreciation of the reader. Few of the political classics are widely read to-day. Many, by reason of archaisms of style and vocabulary, have become almost unreadable. Special students peruse them comprehendingly, but the ordinary reader knows them not. It is hoped that the present volume may contribute to a better understanding and a wider appreciation of these immortal works of human genius. Readers desiring to extend their acquaintance with the political classics will find convenient citations in the footnotes and at the end of each chapter. The chapter-end references also include many standard