ABSTRACT

Eric Voegelin’s Political Readings fills a critical void by providing an original approach to studying the work of Eric Voegelin, one of the major political philosophers of the twenty-first century.

Across six chapters, experts guide the reader from classical to modern times presenting six political philosophers who have had an impact on the life and philosophical production of Eric Voegelin. Philosophers examined include Plato, Aristotle, Saint Augustine, Hobbes, Weber and Kelsen. Through this innovative structure, the chapters collectively illustrate how Voegelin was an exceptional thinker through his engagement with political philosophers both modern and antique. The plurality of unique, academic perspectives and voices enriches our understanding of Voegelin’s own thought while also encouraging a re-think of ancient and modern thinkers, and the transformation and continuity between these.

Designed for students and scholars alike, Eric Voegelin’s Political Readings will appeal to all those with an interest in Voegelin as well as readers familiar with classical and modern political philosophers.

Foreword: The open dialogue  Introduction: Eric Voegelin’s search for order, between the past and the future  1. Eric Voegelin’s reading of Plato: Discovering the soul as a source of order  2. Eric Voegelin’s reading of Aristotle: Exploring a new kind of philosophy  3. Eric Voegelin’s reading of Saint Augustine: Exploring the Symbolism of history and politics  4.Eric Voegelin’s reading of Hobbes: Restoration or destruction of the eschaton?  5. Eric Voegelin’s readings of Max Weber: Struggling with the grip of scientistic rationalism  6. Eric Voegelin’s debate with Hans Kelsen: Struggling with political modernity