Overview
Jack Crittenden examines the debate in political theory about the true conception of human nature. On the one hand is the concept of the liberal self which is self-contained, atomistic, even selfish; on the other hand is the notion of the communitarian self which is socially situated and defined in part by one's community. Crittenden argues that neither view is acceptable and draws on recent psychological research to develop a theory of `compound individuality'. The compound individual retains the liberal emphasis on personal autonomy, without the association of autonomy with self-sufficiency. Crittenden concludes by reflecting on what kinds of political institutions will invite commitment and reflection from `compound individuals'.
Full Product Details
Author: Jack Crittenden (Assistant Professor of Political Science, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Arizona State University)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Dimensions:
Width: 24.40cm
, Height: 2.30cm
, Length: 16.30cm
Weight: 0.553kg
ISBN: 9780195073300
ISBN 10: 0195073304
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 15 October 1992
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: To order
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.
Reviews
Beyond Individualism shows us that there are other choices besides liberal atomism and communitarian nostalgia. It is something that we already should have known, but Crittenden is right to have reminded us. --American Political Science Review An important contribution on a topic of self, which has no clearly defined disciplinary home.... The book is forcefully argued...well written, and accessible to readers lacking knowledge in many relevant disciplines.... A welcome addition to an important area of study. --Great Plains Sociologist This is an important book, novel and highly suggestive. --Ethics Beyond Individualism shows us that there are other choices besides liberal atomism and communitarian nostalgia. It is something that we already should have known, but Crittenden is right to have reminded us. --American Political Science Review An important contribution on a topic of self, which has no clearly defined disciplinary home.... The book is forcefully argued...well written, and accessible to readers lacking knowledge in many relevant disciplines.... A welcome addition to an important area of study. --Great Plains Sociologist This is an important book, novel and highly suggestive. --Ethics
a significant contribution to the field of political theory * Dale T. Miller, Princeton University *
a significant contribution to the field of political theory Dale T. Miller, Princeton University
