296 Pages
    by Routledge

    296 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book examines the underlying theoretical issues concerning the nature of political freedom. Arguing that most previous discussions of such freedom have been too narrowly focused, it explores both conservativism from Edmund Burke to its present resurgence, the radical tradition of Karl Marx, as well as the orthodox liberal model of freedom of John Locke, John Stuart Mill and Isaiah Berlin. Political Freedom argues that these three accounts of political freedom - conservative, liberal and radical - all have internal weaknesses which render them unsatisfactory.
    In the second part of the book George Brenkert develops an alternative theory of political freedom. Using the guiding concept of empowerment, his model explores individual rights, democratic participation in government and workplace, and the need to provide the material and educational resources to allow individuals to effectively exercise their rights to self-determination. It is a clear and bold attack on the view that there is no link between freedom and power.

    Part 1 Political Freedom and Political Philosophy; Chapter 2 Conservative Freedom; Chapter 3 Liberal Freedom; Chapter 4 Radical Freedom; Part 2 Political Freedom as Empowerment; Chapter 6 Political Freedom, Involvement, and Democracy; Chapter 7 Freedom, Enablement, and Resources;

    Biography

    George G. Brenkert

    'This is one of the most thorough and insightful treatments of this complex concept to come along in many years and it deserves close scholarly attention.' - John Christman, MIND