Synopses & Reviews
The Nature of Political Theory is a controversial book which challenges the established nostrums of contemporary political theory. Its major contributions to current scholarship are threefold. It offers, first, a comprehensive, synoptic, and comparative analysis of the major conceptions of political theory, predominantly during the twentieth century. This analysis incorporates systematic critiques of both Anglo-American and continental contributions. The 'nature' of theory is seen as intrinsically pluralistic and internally divided. Secondly, the idea of foundationalism is employed in the book to bring some coherence to this internally complex and fragmented practice. The book consequently focuses on the various foundational concerns embedded within conceptions of political theory. The third major contribution of the book is to argue for an adjustment in the way we think about the discipline. Political theory is reconceived as a rhetorically-based, indeterminate subject, which should be more attuned to practice and history. Overall, the book makes a case for a more ecumenical and tolerant demeanor, suggesting that there are different, but still quite legitimate, answers to the question, 'what is political theory?'. Acceptance of this view would involve a supplementation of the standard substantive approaches to contemporary political theory. Students of politics should minimally be made aware of the deeply contested character of the discipline during the twentieth century. The book therefore challenges the way we think about political theory as a subject. The book can consequently be read on two levels. First, there are systematic concise expositions of distinct movements and arguments which have characterized the various phases of political theory during the twentieth century. Secondly, there is a deeper argument, which moves through the whole text, focusing on the theme of foundationalism. This latter theme embodies the contention that we should rethink the manner in which we configure political theory.
As such, the book offers a unique and idiosyncratic perspective on our current understanding of political theory.
Review
"Vincent's stimulating book reviews major currents of 20th-century political theory....Recommended."--Choice
"...a thoughtful and wide-ranging interpretation of twentieth-century Western political thought."--Perspectives on Politics
Synopsis
In this controversial book, Andrew Vincent offers a comprehensive, synoptic, and comparative analysis of the major conceptions of political theory throughout the twentieth century. The book challenges established views of contemporary political theory and provides critical perspectives on the future of the subject. It will be an indispensable resource for all scholars and students of the discipline.
Table of Contents
Preface
1. An Eclectic Subject
Part 1
2. We Have a Firm Foundation
Part 2
3. Foundations Shaken but not Stirred
4. Bleached Foundations
Part 3
5. Shoring up Foundations
6. New Conventions for Old
Part 4
7. Segmented Foundations
8. Standing Problems
Part 5
9. Dialogic Foundations
10. Circular Foundations
Conclusion
Bibliography