
Wittgenstein and Political Theory
The View from Somewhere
Christopher C. Robinson(Author)
Edinburgh University Press
Published on 24. March 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-0-7486-4298-4 (ISBN)
Description
Ludwig Wittgenstein was arguably the most important philosopher of the twentieth century. Although his writings have influenced a range of philosophical and cultural movements, this effect was not felt strongly in political theory. Indeed, the most comprehensive study of Wittgenstein and political theory was published over thirty five years ago.Wittgenstein and Political Theory, newly available in paperback, sets out to reconnect Wittgenstein with a range of problems and trends within contemporary political theory. The central argument of the book is that Wittgenstein offers scholars doing the difficult work of theorizing political life today an orientation and array of useful conceptual and critical tools. In particular, Wittgenstein's remarks on perception are brought to bear on theory's historical and etymological roots in clear seeing. The effect of these remarks is to free the theorist to explore the city of language and shed fresh light on political concepts such as liberty, dignity, dissent, and ideology.This book is designed to be read by graduate students and advanced undergraduates who are interested in both Wittgenstein's philosophy and strategies for achieving political vision in this age where politics has been replaced by bureaucracy as the predominant form of public order, and now takes the form of dissent.Key Features*Presents a clear, accessible exposition of Wittgenstein's philosophy, including his remarks on perception*Carefully describes the terrain of contemporary political theory*Introduces a tradition of political theory that counters the epic tradition
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
317 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7486-4298-4 (9780748642984)
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E-Book
03/2011
Edinburgh University Press
€28.49
Available for download
Person
Christopher C. Robinson is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Clarkson University, New York.
Author
Assistant Professor of Political ScienceClarkson University, New York
Content
Introduction: Wittgenstein and the Scene of Contemporary Political Theory; 1. Theorizing as a Lived Experience: A Wittgensteinian Investigation; 2. Wittgenstein's Philosophy After the Disaster; 3. Wittgenstein and Citizenship: Reading Socrates in Tehran; 4. Why Wittgenstein Is Not Conservative: Conventions and Critique; 5. Aspect Blindness in Religion, Philosophy, and Law: The Force of Wittgenstein Reading; 6. Seeing As It Happens: Theorizing Politics Through The Eyes of Wittgenstein; 7. Bare Life: Comedy, Trust, and Language in Wittgenstein and Beckett; Conclusion: The Personal Is The Theoretical; Bibliography.