Hobbes, Locke, and Confusion's Masterpiece: An Examination of Seventeenth-Century Political Philosophy
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Book Overview
In this major 2003 study of the foundations of modern political theory the eminent political philosopher Ross Harrison explains, analyzes, and criticizes the work of Hobbes, Locke, and their contemporaries. He provides a full account of the turbulent historical background that shaped the political, intellectual, and religious content of this philosophy. The book explores such questions as the limits of political authority and the relation of the legitimacy of government to the will of its people in non-technical, accessible prose that will appeal to students of philosophy, politics, theology and history.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:052101719X
ISBN13:9780521017190
Release Date:December 2002
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Length:288 Pages
Weight:0.85 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Brilliant exposition and critical discussion
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
This is an excellent explication and critical discussion of the main themes in Hobbes's and Locke's political philosophy. Harrison sets up the intellectual background very well, in terms of such issues as skepticism, natural law, and the problem of political authority, and draws illuminating connections and comparisons with other philosophers such as Grotius and Pufendorf. Harrison usefully brings in other texts by Hobbes and Locke to shed light on the major concepts. His interpretations are convincing and philosophically acute, and get to the heart of the matter. Highly recommended.
Best comparison of Hobbes and Locke I've read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Harrison does a great job of putting Hobbes and Locke into comparative perspective. This makes it easier to understand both philosophers' concept of the state of nature and the social contract. Moreover, the book adds in material about contemporaries such as Filmer, Hooker, and Grotius which places the thought of Hobbes and Locke in the context of the intellectual history of the times. Whatever the merits of Harrison's conclusions, the process of getting there is engaging and enlightening.
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