Freedom and Community

Description

The theory of liberty here propounded by Simon, along with his analysis of authority, democracy, and practical wisdom, contains the elements of a political philosophy that can provide direction to other contemporary political theorists of our times. While the latter have gathered great masses of political facts, they have lacked a normative set of ideas that can make these facts meaningful and useful to political society. Simon’s position as a philosopher rather than as a political scientist, is that while there is a science of social and political facts, a normative moral philosophy that knows the ends of human action is necessary because people make good or bad use of their freedom. As always, Simon here writes with a lucidity and moderation that will be satisfying to reasonable people looking for a way out of skepticism and uncertainty. He was no dogmatist, but he knew what he knew and what he did not know. This is the beginning of wisdom and a model for philosophers. Acknowledgments Editor's Preface CHAPTER 1 Freedom in Daily Life The Spirit of Freedom and the Spirit of Truth The Truth about Timely Issues The Love of Truth is Indivisible Freedom and Autonomy Slaves and Rebels The Community of the Free A Universalist Ethics CHAPTER 2 Liberty and Authority The Meaning of Liberty Authority and Liberty Totalitarianism and Liberty CHAPTER 3 Freedom and Community Alienation versus Integration Servitude Exploitation versus Integration CHAPTER 4 Autonomy and Authority The Imperialistic Tendency of Authority Freedom and Law Freedom and Organization Society and Contemplation CHAPTER 5 Political Society Coercion as a Characteristic of Political Society Political Society Defined The Good of Political Society CHAPTER 6 Pessimism and the Philosophy of Progress The Romantic Philosophy of Progress Disillusioned Optimists A Pessimistic Theory of Progress Bibliography Index