Overview

"This is a rare work of political theory that stands out for its conversational style and readability. Its persuasion relies on easy to follow arguments and logical conclusion in order to repaint the intractable modern political landscape as a vast misunderstanding of what is important in politics. - IndependentBookReview.com What is politics and why is it so contentious?Avoiding partisan diatribe, Left Wing, Right Wing, People, and Power traces the historical development of the left wing and the right wing to reveal that the core of politics is the conflict over power. Despite specific differences of time and place, political actions are consistently efforts to preserve or change the structure and dynamics of power. With this insight, we can better understand political positions and actions. Written in an accessible style, this book will inform readers regardless of where they see themselves on the political spectrum. With clear but nuanced definitions of political ideologies and movements, the author shows how politics is people seeking to express and expand their power in the social space around them. Thus, the clash of the left and right wings is not about grand ideologies but instead is about power relations and the flow of power among people. ""Left Wing, Right Wing, People, and Power is a well-researched and thoughtful guide through the ideological rift that has dominated the political spectrum for centuries. After laying out the evolving political theories of the past, Giles deftly probes the modern left/right-wing factions vying for power in the United States and elsewhere. He exposes the perceived misconceptions about the left and the right and is evenhanded in his criticism. Giles' book excels in approaching a contentious topic and deconstructing it for his reading audience in a concise manner."" - Reedsy"

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9781735880860

Table of Contents

Reviews

"'This work of political theory hammers out the brass tack definitions of left and right, liberal and conservative, in order to revitalize partisan debates. Arguing that short-hand terms like 'right' and 'left' obfuscate the basic political questions of ""who has power, how power can be exercised, and how it can be abused,"" this is an analysis of where the so-called right and left fall in response to these questions-and further, an outline of how to leverage this information to litigate these questions in a way that is productive. This is a rare work of political theory that stands out for its conversational style and readability. Its persuasion relies on easy to follow arguments and logical conclusion in order to repaint the intractable modern political landscape as a vast misunderstanding of what is important in politics."" - IndependentBookReview.com ""Left Wing, Right Wing, People, and Power is an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the political spectrum. It clarifies the true ideologies behind commonly supported political labels and warns of the risks associated with extremist movements. Giles' work is a valuable educational tool that could greatly benefit American school curricula, equipping students with a comprehensive knowledge of political ideologies and their historical contexts."" - Literary Titan ""Left Wing, Right Wing is a well-researched and thoughtful guide through the ideological rift that has dominated the political spectrum for centuries. After laying out the evolving political theories of the past, Giles deftly probes the modern left/right-wing factions vying for power in the United States and elsewhere. He exposes the perceived misconceptions about the left and the right and is evenhanded in his criticism. Giles' book excels in approaching a contentious topic and deconstructing it for his reading audience in a concise manner."" - Reedsy"

Author Information

Douglas Giles is a philosopher by trade and temperament. He understands that philosophy is an active search for concepts on which we can build a better life. Long fascinated by ideas, he is motivated by an earnest desire to bring philosophy out of its insular ivory tower and into everyday life where it can be put to good uses. As a university philosophy professor for more than 21 years, he has introduced thousands of students in multiple countries to the value of philosophy in their lives. From his teaching experience, he has learned what works for students, leading him to write a textbook, How We Are and How We Got Here: A Practical History of Western Philosophy. His scholarly research has built on his PhD work in social philosophy at the University of Essex. Because he applies a phenomenological approach to the lived experiences and actions of individuals, groups, and social and political institutions, his research helps us better understand social injustices and how people respond to them. His work also explores the intersection of philosophy and culture and the construction and maintenance of personal identities and social meanings.Douglas greatly values and facilitates discussion that digs deeper into holistic and meaningful ideas that deal with causes not symptoms. He started writing content for the Internet in 1994 and now produces his own Web site, InsertPhilosophyHere.com, podcasts, and video channels. Because he values the individual person, he encourages people to seek openness and authenticity in themselves and others.Douglas has been a radio disc jockey since 1997 and since 2003 has managed the Internet radio station WorldFusionRadio.com. In 2018, he moved to Prague with his spouse, a professional editor.

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