Satire, Lies and Politics: The Case of Dr Arbuthnot

by C. Condren

Overview

This, the first full analysis of Arbuthnot's Art of Political Lying (1712), argues that the work is a commentary on long-standing themes of debate in science, rhetoric and philosophy and should be seen as a seminal satire standing in opposition to the practice of Swift and Pope. Rather than simply condemning dishonesty, Arbuthnot raises serious questions about the elusive nature of truth in politics. The argument thus traverses literary analysis, intellectual history and philosophy. An original version of the Art of Political Lying , based on English and French editions is supplied in the appendix.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333699447
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	10/27/1997
Edition description:	1997
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Conal Condren

Table of Contents

Preface - PART 1: - Introduction - Topicality and the Limits of Party Commitment - Satire - The 'Pseudologia' and Scientific Learning - A System of Politics - PART 2: - Casuistry - Political Lying - Philosophical Lying - Conclusion - Appendix A: A Scant Biographical Note - Appendix B: Scriblerian Satire and the Authorship of Peri Bathous - Appendix C: The Art of Political Lying - Index