The Opinion of Mankind

Sociability and the Theory of the State from Hobbes to Smith

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Political, History, European General
Cover of the book The Opinion of Mankind by Paul Sagar, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Paul Sagar ISBN: 9781400889808
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: February 13, 2018
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Paul Sagar
ISBN: 9781400889808
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: February 13, 2018
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

How David Hume and Adam Smith forged
a new way of thinking about the modern state

What is the modern state? Conspicuously undertheorized in recent political theory, this question persistently animated the best minds of the Enlightenment. Recovering David Hume and Adam Smith's long-underappreciated contributions to the history of political thought, The Opinion of Mankind considers how, following Thomas Hobbes's epochal intervention in the mid-seventeenth century, subsequent thinkers grappled with explaining how the state came into being, what it fundamentally might be, and how it could claim rightful authority over those subject to its power.

Hobbes has cast a long shadow over Western political thought, particularly regarding the theory of the state. This book shows how Hume and Smith, the two leading lights of the Scottish Enlightenment, forged an alternative way of thinking about the organization of modern politics. They did this in part by going back to the foundations: rejecting Hobbes's vision of human nature and his arguements about our capacity to form stable societies over time. In turn, this was harnessed to a deep reconceptualization of how to think philosophically about politics in a secular world. The result was an emphasis on the "opinion of mankind," the necessary psychological basis of all political organization.

Demonstrating how Hume and Smith broke away from Hobbesian state theory, The Opinion of Mankind also suggests ways in which these thinkers might shape how we think about politics today, and in turn how we might construct better political theory.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How David Hume and Adam Smith forged
a new way of thinking about the modern state

What is the modern state? Conspicuously undertheorized in recent political theory, this question persistently animated the best minds of the Enlightenment. Recovering David Hume and Adam Smith's long-underappreciated contributions to the history of political thought, The Opinion of Mankind considers how, following Thomas Hobbes's epochal intervention in the mid-seventeenth century, subsequent thinkers grappled with explaining how the state came into being, what it fundamentally might be, and how it could claim rightful authority over those subject to its power.

Hobbes has cast a long shadow over Western political thought, particularly regarding the theory of the state. This book shows how Hume and Smith, the two leading lights of the Scottish Enlightenment, forged an alternative way of thinking about the organization of modern politics. They did this in part by going back to the foundations: rejecting Hobbes's vision of human nature and his arguements about our capacity to form stable societies over time. In turn, this was harnessed to a deep reconceptualization of how to think philosophically about politics in a secular world. The result was an emphasis on the "opinion of mankind," the necessary psychological basis of all political organization.

Demonstrating how Hume and Smith broke away from Hobbesian state theory, The Opinion of Mankind also suggests ways in which these thinkers might shape how we think about politics today, and in turn how we might construct better political theory.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book The American Musical and the Performance of Personal Identity by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book The Birth of Modern Belief by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book A Confucian Constitutional Order by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book A Century of Genocide by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book This Time Is Different by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book The German Economy by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book The Confidence Trap by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book What W. H. Auden Can Do for You by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book Insomniac Dreams by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book Defining Neighbors by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book The Reemergence of Self-Employment by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book On the Future by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book Philosophical Myths of the Fall by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book Prudes, Perverts, and Tyrants by Paul Sagar
Cover of the book Global Production by Paul Sagar
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy