The Civic Conversations of Thucydides and Plato: Classical Political Philosophy and the Limits of Democracy
Argues for the contemporary importance of Thucydides and Plato for both democratic political theory and democratic citizens.

This book argues that classical political philosophy, represented in the works of Thucydides and Plato, is an important resource for both contemporary democratic political theory and democratic citizens. By placing the Platonic dialogues and Thucydides' History in conversation with four significant forms of modern democratic theory-the rational choice perspective, deliberative democratic theory, the interpretation of democratic culture, and postmodernism-Gerald M. Mara contends that these classical authors are not enemies of democracy. Rather than arguing for the creation of a more encompassing theoretical framework guided by classical concerns, Mara offers readings that emphasize the need to focus critically on the purposes of politics, and therefore of democracy, as controversial yet unavoidable questions for political theory.

1101501347
The Civic Conversations of Thucydides and Plato: Classical Political Philosophy and the Limits of Democracy
Argues for the contemporary importance of Thucydides and Plato for both democratic political theory and democratic citizens.

This book argues that classical political philosophy, represented in the works of Thucydides and Plato, is an important resource for both contemporary democratic political theory and democratic citizens. By placing the Platonic dialogues and Thucydides' History in conversation with four significant forms of modern democratic theory-the rational choice perspective, deliberative democratic theory, the interpretation of democratic culture, and postmodernism-Gerald M. Mara contends that these classical authors are not enemies of democracy. Rather than arguing for the creation of a more encompassing theoretical framework guided by classical concerns, Mara offers readings that emphasize the need to focus critically on the purposes of politics, and therefore of democracy, as controversial yet unavoidable questions for political theory.

36.95 In Stock
The Civic Conversations of Thucydides and Plato: Classical Political Philosophy and the Limits of Democracy

The Civic Conversations of Thucydides and Plato: Classical Political Philosophy and the Limits of Democracy

by Gerald M. Mara
The Civic Conversations of Thucydides and Plato: Classical Political Philosophy and the Limits of Democracy

The Civic Conversations of Thucydides and Plato: Classical Political Philosophy and the Limits of Democracy

by Gerald M. Mara

Paperback(New Edition)

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Overview

Argues for the contemporary importance of Thucydides and Plato for both democratic political theory and democratic citizens.

This book argues that classical political philosophy, represented in the works of Thucydides and Plato, is an important resource for both contemporary democratic political theory and democratic citizens. By placing the Platonic dialogues and Thucydides' History in conversation with four significant forms of modern democratic theory-the rational choice perspective, deliberative democratic theory, the interpretation of democratic culture, and postmodernism-Gerald M. Mara contends that these classical authors are not enemies of democracy. Rather than arguing for the creation of a more encompassing theoretical framework guided by classical concerns, Mara offers readings that emphasize the need to focus critically on the purposes of politics, and therefore of democracy, as controversial yet unavoidable questions for political theory.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780791475003
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Publication date: 07/01/2009
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 338
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Gerald M. Mara is Executive Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Professorial Lecturer in Government at Georgetown University and the author of Socrates' Discursive Democracy: Logos and Ergon in Platonic Political Philosophy, also published by SUNY Press.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

1. Political Space and Political Purpose in Contemporary Democratic Theory

2. The Borders of Rational Choice

3. Deliberating Democracy

4. Culture’s Justice

5. Proximate Others

6. Conclusion: Extending the Limits of Democracy

Notes
References
Index

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