The Critique of the State [Paperback]

Bartelson's discussion of the suppositions and presuppositions of statehood is informed both historically and philosophically.The concept of the state has been central to the study of politics and society. Jens Bartelson examines the history of the concept, and argues that the state has largely been taken for granted as the embodiment of authority, rather than analysed itself. He sees the state as a historically limited phenomenon, and argues that this explains the way political scientists have framed the subject they study. This book will appeal to political and social theorists, as well as philosophers of social science.The concept of the state has been central to the study of politics and society. Jens Bartelson examines the history of the concept, and argues that the state has largely been taken for granted as the embodiment of authority, rather than analysed itself. He sees the state as a historically limited phenomenon, and argues that this explains the way political scientists have framed the subject they study. This book will appeal to political and social theorists, as well as philosophers of social science.The concept of the state has been central to the study of politics and society. Jens Bartelson examines the history of the concept, and argues that the state has largely been taken for granted as the embodiment of authority, rather than analyzed itself. He sees the state as a historically limited phenomenon, and argues that this explains the way political scientists have framed the subject they study. This book will appeal to political and social theorists, as well as philosophers of social science.1. Forbidden impossibilities; 2. Unpacking the living museum: the state and the emergence of political science; 3. A plurality of monisms: throwing the state out; 4. An indivisible remainder: the state brought back in; 5. The limits of criticism: dissolving the state; 6. Possibilities permitted.