Why politikē philosophia?
pp. 191-212
in: Mohanty (ed), Phenomenology and the human sciences, Berlin, Springer, 1985Abstract
Some philosophers suppose that political philosophy today can be advanced by reconsidering the work of its founding fathers, namely Socrates. Plato and Aristotle. This supposition may be true. It is not obviously true, however, and in this essay I shall adduce some reasons for questioning it. In particular, I shall indicate that ancient as well as modern philosophers have provided grounds for doubting the importance of classical political philosophy (Part I), then show that, as conceived by its founders, political philosophy is plainly in need of philosophical justification (Parts II–III), then defend my argument against some objections (Part IV).
