ABSTRACT
Positivism and functionalism are topics Hans J. Morgenthau explored in his writings on international law, and liberalism and its problems are a recurrent theme, particularly in his early writings. Surprisingly enough, Professor Morgenthau has faced a lifelong struggle to justify this concern with philosophy. When he came to the University of Chicago the atmosphere, at least in the Political Science Department, was openly hostile to philosophy. The principal encouragement Professor Morgenthau received came from the University’s top leadership, a few younger or lesser colleagues, and most of all from his students. Philosophy for Morgenthau has meant the search for the general as opposed to the particular, recurrent patterns as distinct from unique historical events, “laws” and principles of politics, and the political consequences of the nature of man. The raw material of the philosopher includes contemporary as well as ancient or historical events.
