ABSTRACT

First published in 1985. Liberalism was under increasing attack from both socialists and conservatives towards the end of the twentieth century. This book argues that, far from having little to contribute towards solving the problems of the modern world, liberalism is, in fact, of central importance. It discusses the arguments against liberalism put forward by four major political theorists, refuting the general thrust of their criticisms and taking issue with many points of detail used by them to support their arguments. It analyses the origins of liberalism, discusses its major achievements and explains why it continues to be a crucially important movement.

chapter Chapter One|29 pages

Introduction: Liberalism and the end of Ideology

chapter Chapter Two|102 pages

C. B. Macpherson: Liberalism as Possessive Individualism

chapter Chapter Three|61 pages

Herbert Marcuse: Liberalism and Liberation

chapter Chapter Four|77 pages

Leo Strauss: Liberalism and the Modern Project

chapter Chapter Five|39 pages

Michael Oakeshott: Liberalism as Rationalism in Politics

chapter Chapter Six|37 pages

Conclusion Modern Liberalism: The Present Controversy