Pragmatism and Political Theory [Paperback]

This exciting new book is the first comprehensive and critical study of the relationship between the Pragmatist tradition and political theory. Festenstein develops his argument through a detailed and original reading of four key thinkers: John Dewey, Richard Rorty, Jurgen Habermas and Hilary Putnam.List of Abbreviations.

Introduction.

Part I: Dewey's Political Philosophy:.

1. Interpreting Dewey's Political Thought.

2. Pragmatism in the Moral Life.

3. Individuality and Democracy.

Part II: New Pragmatisms:.

4. An Overview.

5. Ethnocentrism and Irony.

6. Reconstructions.

Conclusion.

Notes.

Index.

This is a splendid contribution to the lively conversation about the vitality of the pragmatic legacy, and a sympathetic, lucid, critical reconstruction of Dewey's political philosophy showing how his understanding of democracy is grounded in our moral life. Professor Richard J. Bernstein, New School for Social Research

Pragmatism has been vigorously revived in philosophy, and Matthew Festenstein's book provides an exemplary and thoroughgoing account of its implications for political theory. Raymond Plant, St Catherine's College, Oxford

An interesting study which lives up to its own pretensions: to be a non-exhaustive, yet fresh look at a tradition which deserves attention from political theorists. Acta Politica

Matthew Festenstein is Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull.This exciting new book is the first comprehensive and critical study of the relationship between the Pragmatist tradition and political theory.

Festenstein provides a fresh and timely assessment of the Pragmatil³Ñ