Frederick Neuhouser
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199542673
- eISBN:
- 9780191715402
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199542673.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This introductory chapter discusses Rousseau's theory of amour-propre. It looks at why Rousseau's theory of amour-propre can be considered a theodicy and the centrality of amour-propre. The chapter ...
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This introductory chapter discusses Rousseau's theory of amour-propre. It looks at why Rousseau's theory of amour-propre can be considered a theodicy and the centrality of amour-propre. The chapter also presents some preliminary remarks about his understanding of amour-propre.Less
This introductory chapter discusses Rousseau's theory of amour-propre. It looks at why Rousseau's theory of amour-propre can be considered a theodicy and the centrality of amour-propre. The chapter also presents some preliminary remarks about his understanding of amour-propre.
R. R. Palmer
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691161280
- eISBN:
- 9781400850228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691161280.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, American History: early to 18th Century
This chapter discusses a movement of modern democratic type in Geneva in 1768, which made a positive impression on institutions of government. In the roles played by upper, middle, and lower classes, ...
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This chapter discusses a movement of modern democratic type in Geneva in 1768, which made a positive impression on institutions of government. In the roles played by upper, middle, and lower classes, in the conflict between political and economic demands, and in the interplay between revolutionary and counterrevolutionary pressures, this “revolution” at Geneva prefigured or symbolized the greater revolution that was to come in France. It was, moreover, a revolution precipitated by the presence in the neighborhood of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It was here that the Social Contract produced its first explosion. Near at hand, at the same time, lived another worthy of more than local repute, namely Voltaire. The embroilment of Rousseau and Voltaire in the politics of Geneva meant the blowing of two antithetical views of the world into a teapot tempest; or, rather, the agitations at Geneva, which in themselves were significant enough, were brought to the level of world history by the involvement of these two difficult geniuses.Less
This chapter discusses a movement of modern democratic type in Geneva in 1768, which made a positive impression on institutions of government. In the roles played by upper, middle, and lower classes, in the conflict between political and economic demands, and in the interplay between revolutionary and counterrevolutionary pressures, this “revolution” at Geneva prefigured or symbolized the greater revolution that was to come in France. It was, moreover, a revolution precipitated by the presence in the neighborhood of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It was here that the Social Contract produced its first explosion. Near at hand, at the same time, lived another worthy of more than local repute, namely Voltaire. The embroilment of Rousseau and Voltaire in the politics of Geneva meant the blowing of two antithetical views of the world into a teapot tempest; or, rather, the agitations at Geneva, which in themselves were significant enough, were brought to the level of world history by the involvement of these two difficult geniuses.
Douglas Wass
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199534746
- eISBN:
- 9780191715884
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199534746.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This chapter looks at the origins of the inflation which struck the developed world in the early 1970s, and the huge balance of payments imbalances which followed the explosion of oil prices in 1973. ...
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This chapter looks at the origins of the inflation which struck the developed world in the early 1970s, and the huge balance of payments imbalances which followed the explosion of oil prices in 1973. It describes what the internationally prescribed responses were and recounts how the policy followed by the Heath Government came to be defeated by the reactions of organised labour. It goes on to describe what the policies of the incoming Labour Government were in March 1974 and how they contributed to a compounding of the economic problems. It scrutinizes what the Treasury advice to ministers was to restore balance to the economy — controlling public expenditure, financing the balance of payments, and achieving equilibrium in the trade balance. It argues that although some progress was made in all these areas the problem of inflation was not addressed and the Government continued to pin its faith on the Social Contract it had concluded with the TUC.Less
This chapter looks at the origins of the inflation which struck the developed world in the early 1970s, and the huge balance of payments imbalances which followed the explosion of oil prices in 1973. It describes what the internationally prescribed responses were and recounts how the policy followed by the Heath Government came to be defeated by the reactions of organised labour. It goes on to describe what the policies of the incoming Labour Government were in March 1974 and how they contributed to a compounding of the economic problems. It scrutinizes what the Treasury advice to ministers was to restore balance to the economy — controlling public expenditure, financing the balance of payments, and achieving equilibrium in the trade balance. It argues that although some progress was made in all these areas the problem of inflation was not addressed and the Government continued to pin its faith on the Social Contract it had concluded with the TUC.
Douglas Wass
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199534746
- eISBN:
- 9780191715884
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199534746.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This chapter describes the evolution of economic policy in the face of a deteriorating situation. It shows how early in 1975 the Treasury came to recognize that a significant shift of policy was ...
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This chapter describes the evolution of economic policy in the face of a deteriorating situation. It shows how early in 1975 the Treasury came to recognize that a significant shift of policy was required involving a sharp break in hitherto established practice. It describes the important role which financial markets were now playing in the behaviour of the economic variables and shows that what was required was a big improvement in public finances, a determined attack on inflation, and suitable measures to restore equilibrium in the balance of payments. The chapter reveals growing tensions within the Cabinet over the course of policy and its relevance to the economic slump, which was now afflicting the economy. These tensions were acute in the area of policy to deal with wage inflation and the chapter goes into detail how this issue was eventually resolved in a vigorous reinforcement of the Social Contract. Public expenditure continued to be a dominant issue for the Treasury and this concern was reinforced at the end of 1975 when the UK sought a relatively small drawing from the IMF — a step which brought the public finances to the forefront.Less
This chapter describes the evolution of economic policy in the face of a deteriorating situation. It shows how early in 1975 the Treasury came to recognize that a significant shift of policy was required involving a sharp break in hitherto established practice. It describes the important role which financial markets were now playing in the behaviour of the economic variables and shows that what was required was a big improvement in public finances, a determined attack on inflation, and suitable measures to restore equilibrium in the balance of payments. The chapter reveals growing tensions within the Cabinet over the course of policy and its relevance to the economic slump, which was now afflicting the economy. These tensions were acute in the area of policy to deal with wage inflation and the chapter goes into detail how this issue was eventually resolved in a vigorous reinforcement of the Social Contract. Public expenditure continued to be a dominant issue for the Treasury and this concern was reinforced at the end of 1975 when the UK sought a relatively small drawing from the IMF — a step which brought the public finances to the forefront.
Guy Robinson
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823222919
- eISBN:
- 9780823235513
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823222919.003.0013
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
The social being of humans, which was conceptualized in the seventeenth century, was presented as the result of combining isolated individuals wherein a set of agreed upon laws or rules binds these ...
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The social being of humans, which was conceptualized in the seventeenth century, was presented as the result of combining isolated individuals wherein a set of agreed upon laws or rules binds these separated individuals. This chapter analyzes the notion of contract and the pre-social conditions that could have initiated the idea of having a Social Contract when these separated individuals had no shared fields of experience, institutions, or obligations. One of the key concerns in this chapter is the notion of a universal “human nature” and how this could provide explanations, given the fact that there are ways of testing the presence or absence of certain attributes. This chapter also describes the notions of nature and society and how these could have aided in explaining human nature.Less
The social being of humans, which was conceptualized in the seventeenth century, was presented as the result of combining isolated individuals wherein a set of agreed upon laws or rules binds these separated individuals. This chapter analyzes the notion of contract and the pre-social conditions that could have initiated the idea of having a Social Contract when these separated individuals had no shared fields of experience, institutions, or obligations. One of the key concerns in this chapter is the notion of a universal “human nature” and how this could provide explanations, given the fact that there are ways of testing the presence or absence of certain attributes. This chapter also describes the notions of nature and society and how these could have aided in explaining human nature.
Paul Sagar
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780691178882
- eISBN:
- 9781400889808
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691178882.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter examines the issue of sociability and the theory of the state with regard to Jean-Jacques Rousseau. More specifically, it considers Rousseau's intervention in the debate over human ...
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This chapter examines the issue of sociability and the theory of the state with regard to Jean-Jacques Rousseau. More specifically, it considers Rousseau's intervention in the debate over human sociability, mainly in The Discourse on Inequality, and how it ultimately led in the opposite direction to that pointed out by David Hume: back to Thomas Hobbes. The chapter begins with a discussion of Rousseau's idea of the state of nature as well as the views of Rousseau and Hume on pity, justice, property, and deception. It then analyzes Rousseau's The Social Contract, an exercise in full-blooded Hobbesian sovereignty theory, and his attempt to start from a different place in the theory of sociability, and then offer a purposefully counter-Hobbesian theory of sovereignty. The chapter argues that Rousseau ultimately could not get past Hobbes, and ended up returning to the latter's positions.Less
This chapter examines the issue of sociability and the theory of the state with regard to Jean-Jacques Rousseau. More specifically, it considers Rousseau's intervention in the debate over human sociability, mainly in The Discourse on Inequality, and how it ultimately led in the opposite direction to that pointed out by David Hume: back to Thomas Hobbes. The chapter begins with a discussion of Rousseau's idea of the state of nature as well as the views of Rousseau and Hume on pity, justice, property, and deception. It then analyzes Rousseau's The Social Contract, an exercise in full-blooded Hobbesian sovereignty theory, and his attempt to start from a different place in the theory of sociability, and then offer a purposefully counter-Hobbesian theory of sovereignty. The chapter argues that Rousseau ultimately could not get past Hobbes, and ended up returning to the latter's positions.
Martin McQuillan
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780748641048
- eISBN:
- 9781474400954
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748641048.003.0007
- Subject:
- Literature, Criticism/Theory
In this introduction to his volume The Portable Rousseau (1973), Paul de Man focuses on Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Social Contract. He begins by discussing the notion of textual allegory, as it derives ...
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In this introduction to his volume The Portable Rousseau (1973), Paul de Man focuses on Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Social Contract. He begins by discussing the notion of textual allegory, as it derives from the Social Contract, and how it provides the generalising principle which makes it possible to consider theotropical or ethical allegories as particularised versions of this generative model and thus to break down the significance of such thematic distinctions. He then suggests that the ‘inclusion’ of a deconstructed version of the Profession de foi within the context of the Social Contract is predictable, since both works can be considered as the same political allegory, the first on a figural, the second on a textual level. He also cites Rousseau's novel La nouvelle Héloïse as a textural allegory like the Social Contract and not like the Profession de foi.Less
In this introduction to his volume The Portable Rousseau (1973), Paul de Man focuses on Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Social Contract. He begins by discussing the notion of textual allegory, as it derives from the Social Contract, and how it provides the generalising principle which makes it possible to consider theotropical or ethical allegories as particularised versions of this generative model and thus to break down the significance of such thematic distinctions. He then suggests that the ‘inclusion’ of a deconstructed version of the Profession de foi within the context of the Social Contract is predictable, since both works can be considered as the same political allegory, the first on a figural, the second on a textual level. He also cites Rousseau's novel La nouvelle Héloïse as a textural allegory like the Social Contract and not like the Profession de foi.
Richard Tuck
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199264612
- eISBN:
- 9780191718526
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199264612.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter asks directly a question which often lurks behind discussions of Hobbes, but which is rarely put clearly: how radical is the transformation of politics, and indeed human life in general, ...
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This chapter asks directly a question which often lurks behind discussions of Hobbes, but which is rarely put clearly: how radical is the transformation of politics, and indeed human life in general, which Hobbes supposed would be the result of taking his theory seriously? This question is raised partly for its intrinsic interest, as it seems that answering it correctly gives us a great deal of insight into the overall character of Hobbes's politics, but also because it is relevant to the further question of who Hobbes's successors were, and what happened to Hobbesian politics in the 18th and early 19th centuries; in particular, one cannot address the issue of the relationship between Hobbes and Rousseau without first clarifying the extent to which both were utopians, of a kind. It is argued that Leviathan is as much of a utopian work as The Social Contract, and may indeed be the greatest piece of utopian writing to come out of the English Revolution.Less
This chapter asks directly a question which often lurks behind discussions of Hobbes, but which is rarely put clearly: how radical is the transformation of politics, and indeed human life in general, which Hobbes supposed would be the result of taking his theory seriously? This question is raised partly for its intrinsic interest, as it seems that answering it correctly gives us a great deal of insight into the overall character of Hobbes's politics, but also because it is relevant to the further question of who Hobbes's successors were, and what happened to Hobbesian politics in the 18th and early 19th centuries; in particular, one cannot address the issue of the relationship between Hobbes and Rousseau without first clarifying the extent to which both were utopians, of a kind. It is argued that Leviathan is as much of a utopian work as The Social Contract, and may indeed be the greatest piece of utopian writing to come out of the English Revolution.
Dimitris Vardoulakis
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780823251353
- eISBN:
- 9780823252893
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823251353.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
The fourth chapter shows how the earlier established definition of modern sovereignty – as the justification of the end of power through the means of violence – influences the development of the idea ...
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The fourth chapter shows how the earlier established definition of modern sovereignty – as the justification of the end of power through the means of violence – influences the development of the idea of popular sovereignty. Spinoza's theory of resistance is shown to be the first time that the idea of the sovereign justification of violence is criticized by suggesting a theory of democracy. Kleist's Michael Kohlhaas further indicates that a direct opposition to sovereignty power can only increase the power of justification, and hence that different strategies need to be employed for a radical politics.Less
The fourth chapter shows how the earlier established definition of modern sovereignty – as the justification of the end of power through the means of violence – influences the development of the idea of popular sovereignty. Spinoza's theory of resistance is shown to be the first time that the idea of the sovereign justification of violence is criticized by suggesting a theory of democracy. Kleist's Michael Kohlhaas further indicates that a direct opposition to sovereignty power can only increase the power of justification, and hence that different strategies need to be employed for a radical politics.
Zoe Beenstock
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781474401036
- eISBN:
- 9781474422147
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474401036.003.0003
- Subject:
- Literature, Criticism/Theory
This chapter explores Rousseau’s account of the tension between community and individual by examining the Second Discourse and the Social Contract on the one hand, and Julie on the other. In his ...
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This chapter explores Rousseau’s account of the tension between community and individual by examining the Second Discourse and the Social Contract on the one hand, and Julie on the other. In his political theory Rousseau defines the state of nature as a mere fantasy which belongs to an optative imagined past. In leaving the state of nature, people trade basic needs for decadent desires. Rousseau introduces the general will as a practical device for managing the asociability of the private will, which is driven mainly by appetite. To safeguard the general will from its wayward members, individuals must form a social contract which transforms them into sociable beings. In Julie Rousseau explores the sacrifices that individuals make in joining the general will, as Julie is torn between personal desire on the one hand and social conformity on the other. Rousseau’s literature suggests that the two are incompatible and thus ‘judges’ his philosophy, exploring the deathly outcome of contract. Rousseau’s use of literature to critique the social contract constitutes his major legacy to British Romantic writers.Less
This chapter explores Rousseau’s account of the tension between community and individual by examining the Second Discourse and the Social Contract on the one hand, and Julie on the other. In his political theory Rousseau defines the state of nature as a mere fantasy which belongs to an optative imagined past. In leaving the state of nature, people trade basic needs for decadent desires. Rousseau introduces the general will as a practical device for managing the asociability of the private will, which is driven mainly by appetite. To safeguard the general will from its wayward members, individuals must form a social contract which transforms them into sociable beings. In Julie Rousseau explores the sacrifices that individuals make in joining the general will, as Julie is torn between personal desire on the one hand and social conformity on the other. Rousseau’s literature suggests that the two are incompatible and thus ‘judges’ his philosophy, exploring the deathly outcome of contract. Rousseau’s use of literature to critique the social contract constitutes his major legacy to British Romantic writers.
Zoe Beenstock
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781474401036
- eISBN:
- 9781474422147
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474401036.003.0002
- Subject:
- Literature, Criticism/Theory
Despite the attempt of social contract theory and its critics to banish Aristotle’s concept of natural sociability, imagery of dismembered bodies resurfaces in political writings circa 1650-1810. ...
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Despite the attempt of social contract theory and its critics to banish Aristotle’s concept of natural sociability, imagery of dismembered bodies resurfaces in political writings circa 1650-1810. Fractured body imagery is a metaphor for a cadaverous commonality that is inherent to modern political theory. From different perspectives, British empiricism, the Scottish Enlightenment, German Idealism, and Romanticism all express a crisis in theories of community through the imagery of a fragmented body politic. Hobbes and Locke unbind the state from metaphysical legitimizations but are unable to reconcile concepts of individuality, freedom, and sovereignty. Adam Smith’s invisible hand retains a visceral memory of the lost body politic, which finds an outlet in the workings of sympathy. German Idealism recasts the conflict between private individuals and commonality as a productive dynamic. British caricatures of the 1790s reproduce the fragmentation of individuals from the social body in visual terms. Together with anti-Jacobin fictionalizations of the social contract these caricatures break down boundaries between ‘radical’ and ‘conservative’ engagements with contract, demonstrating the ubiquity of Aristotle’s ghostly body politic.Less
Despite the attempt of social contract theory and its critics to banish Aristotle’s concept of natural sociability, imagery of dismembered bodies resurfaces in political writings circa 1650-1810. Fractured body imagery is a metaphor for a cadaverous commonality that is inherent to modern political theory. From different perspectives, British empiricism, the Scottish Enlightenment, German Idealism, and Romanticism all express a crisis in theories of community through the imagery of a fragmented body politic. Hobbes and Locke unbind the state from metaphysical legitimizations but are unable to reconcile concepts of individuality, freedom, and sovereignty. Adam Smith’s invisible hand retains a visceral memory of the lost body politic, which finds an outlet in the workings of sympathy. German Idealism recasts the conflict between private individuals and commonality as a productive dynamic. British caricatures of the 1790s reproduce the fragmentation of individuals from the social body in visual terms. Together with anti-Jacobin fictionalizations of the social contract these caricatures break down boundaries between ‘radical’ and ‘conservative’ engagements with contract, demonstrating the ubiquity of Aristotle’s ghostly body politic.
Mads Qvortrup
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719065804
- eISBN:
- 9781781700495
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719065804.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This book presents an overview of Jean–Jacques Rousseau's work from a political science perspective. Was Rousseau — the great theorist of the French Revolution—really a conservative? The text argues ...
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This book presents an overview of Jean–Jacques Rousseau's work from a political science perspective. Was Rousseau — the great theorist of the French Revolution—really a conservative? The text argues that the author of ‘The Social Contract’ was a constitutionalist much closer to Madison, Montesquieu, and Locke than to revolutionaries. Outlining his profound opposition to Godless materialism and revolutionary change, this book finds parallels between Rousseau and Burke, as well as showing that Rousseau developed the first modern theory of nationalism. It presents an integrated political analysis of Rousseau's educational, ethical, religious and political writings.Less
This book presents an overview of Jean–Jacques Rousseau's work from a political science perspective. Was Rousseau — the great theorist of the French Revolution—really a conservative? The text argues that the author of ‘The Social Contract’ was a constitutionalist much closer to Madison, Montesquieu, and Locke than to revolutionaries. Outlining his profound opposition to Godless materialism and revolutionary change, this book finds parallels between Rousseau and Burke, as well as showing that Rousseau developed the first modern theory of nationalism. It presents an integrated political analysis of Rousseau's educational, ethical, religious and political writings.
Étienne Balibar
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780823273607
- eISBN:
- 9780823273652
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823273607.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter argues that while the category of “modernity” is differential, it is so in several senses that intersect and vie with one another. It introduces certain theses on modernity which aim to ...
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This chapter argues that while the category of “modernity” is differential, it is so in several senses that intersect and vie with one another. It introduces certain theses on modernity which aim to “deconstruct” the institutions, presuppositions, and discourses of modernity, arguing that they are always present at the heart of the philosophical expressions of modernity. The chapter discusses these concepts with respect to a problem of reading and interpreting a particular Hegelian utterance: “Ich, das Wir, und Wir, das Ich ist” (hereafter, “IWWI”), taken from Chapter 4 of the Phenomenology of Spirit. In doing so the chapter also takes into account two models for Hegel's utterance: the theophanic utterances from the Gospel of John, and Rousseau's Social Contract.Less
This chapter argues that while the category of “modernity” is differential, it is so in several senses that intersect and vie with one another. It introduces certain theses on modernity which aim to “deconstruct” the institutions, presuppositions, and discourses of modernity, arguing that they are always present at the heart of the philosophical expressions of modernity. The chapter discusses these concepts with respect to a problem of reading and interpreting a particular Hegelian utterance: “Ich, das Wir, und Wir, das Ich ist” (hereafter, “IWWI”), taken from Chapter 4 of the Phenomenology of Spirit. In doing so the chapter also takes into account two models for Hegel's utterance: the theophanic utterances from the Gospel of John, and Rousseau's Social Contract.
Zoe Beenstock
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781474401036
- eISBN:
- 9781474422147
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474401036.003.0001
- Subject:
- Literature, Criticism/Theory
This introduction argues that not only have Romantic works been shaped by social contract theory’s tensions, but also their reception. The historical-political turn in Romanticism studies has brought ...
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This introduction argues that not only have Romantic works been shaped by social contract theory’s tensions, but also their reception. The historical-political turn in Romanticism studies has brought attention to politics but often regards Romantic literature as promoting social retreat. Yet Romanticism’s preoccupation with retreat responds to social contract theory and its alienation of individuals from the social body. British Romanticism was affected by a rift in theories of sociability as European culture shifted away from an Aristotelian model of natural sociability to a modern view of sociability as a secondary property of human nature. The introduction considers differences between genres of political theory and Romantic poetry and novels. Social contract theory developed a subversive approach to literature as a medium suited to political critique. Whereas Romantic poetry maintains a critical distance from philosophical discourse based on formal discreteness, narrative fiction had always been an integral part of philosophical argumentation and particularly of empiricism. Therefore, novelists focus their works on dissident individuals excluded from the general will and on a crumbling social body.Less
This introduction argues that not only have Romantic works been shaped by social contract theory’s tensions, but also their reception. The historical-political turn in Romanticism studies has brought attention to politics but often regards Romantic literature as promoting social retreat. Yet Romanticism’s preoccupation with retreat responds to social contract theory and its alienation of individuals from the social body. British Romanticism was affected by a rift in theories of sociability as European culture shifted away from an Aristotelian model of natural sociability to a modern view of sociability as a secondary property of human nature. The introduction considers differences between genres of political theory and Romantic poetry and novels. Social contract theory developed a subversive approach to literature as a medium suited to political critique. Whereas Romantic poetry maintains a critical distance from philosophical discourse based on formal discreteness, narrative fiction had always been an integral part of philosophical argumentation and particularly of empiricism. Therefore, novelists focus their works on dissident individuals excluded from the general will and on a crumbling social body.
Stacy Clifford Simplican
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780816693979
- eISBN:
- 9781452950839
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Minnesota Press
- DOI:
- 10.5749/minnesota/9780816693979.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter one examines John Locke’s treatment of disability, showing how he drew on disability to symbolize both shared human vulnerability and the outer skirts of personhood. I conceptualize Locke’s ...
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Chapter one examines John Locke’s treatment of disability, showing how he drew on disability to symbolize both shared human vulnerability and the outer skirts of personhood. I conceptualize Locke’s treatment of disability as two sides of a capacity contract, showing how uncertainty over human capacities invites both exclusion and solidarity.Less
Chapter one examines John Locke’s treatment of disability, showing how he drew on disability to symbolize both shared human vulnerability and the outer skirts of personhood. I conceptualize Locke’s treatment of disability as two sides of a capacity contract, showing how uncertainty over human capacities invites both exclusion and solidarity.
Bob Deacon
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781447312338
- eISBN:
- 9781447312383
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447312338.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change
This chapter describes the development of the Social Protection Floor concept. It ranges from initial conceptualization in 2000, in the context of debates about the need for a global social floor, ...
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This chapter describes the development of the Social Protection Floor concept. It ranges from initial conceptualization in 2000, in the context of debates about the need for a global social floor, through to its being accepted as ILO policy. It examines how, en route to acceptance, compromises had to be made and changes in thinking introduced. These shifts included the change in the SPF being a defined benefit package to a set of guarantees to be ensured by governments in ways they see fit; the move from the SPF being a global social floor to being a set of national social protection floors and from it being a global social contract to something which would be essentially a national responsibility. The question is also addressed as to whether the SPF would primarily concern social transfers or access to services.Less
This chapter describes the development of the Social Protection Floor concept. It ranges from initial conceptualization in 2000, in the context of debates about the need for a global social floor, through to its being accepted as ILO policy. It examines how, en route to acceptance, compromises had to be made and changes in thinking introduced. These shifts included the change in the SPF being a defined benefit package to a set of guarantees to be ensured by governments in ways they see fit; the move from the SPF being a global social floor to being a set of national social protection floors and from it being a global social contract to something which would be essentially a national responsibility. The question is also addressed as to whether the SPF would primarily concern social transfers or access to services.
Stacy Clifford Simplican
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780816693979
- eISBN:
- 9781452950839
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Minnesota Press
- DOI:
- 10.5749/minnesota/9780816693979.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
In the first sustained examination of disability through the lens of political theory, The Capacity Contract shows how the exclusion of disabled people has shaped democratic politics. Stacy Clifford ...
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In the first sustained examination of disability through the lens of political theory, The Capacity Contract shows how the exclusion of disabled people has shaped democratic politics. Stacy Clifford Simplican demonstrates how disability buttresses systems of domination based on race, sex, and gender. She exposes how democratic theory and politics have long blocked from political citizenship anyone whose cognitive capacity falls below a threshold level⎯marginalization with real-world repercussions on the implementation of disability rights today. Simplican’s compelling ethnographic analysis of the self-advocacy movement describes the obstacles it faces. From the outside, the movement must confront stiff budget cuts and dwindling memberships; internally, self-advocates must find ways to demand political standing without reinforcing entrenched stigma against people with profound cognitive disabilities. And yet Simplican’s investigation also offers democratic theorists and disability activists a more emancipatory vision of democracy as it relates to disability⎯one that focuses on enabling people to engage in public and spontaneous action to disrupt exclusion and stigma. Taking seriously democratic promises of equality and inclusion, The Capacity Contract rejects conceptions of political citizenship that privilege cognitive capacity and, instead, centers such citizenship on action that is accessible to all people.Less
In the first sustained examination of disability through the lens of political theory, The Capacity Contract shows how the exclusion of disabled people has shaped democratic politics. Stacy Clifford Simplican demonstrates how disability buttresses systems of domination based on race, sex, and gender. She exposes how democratic theory and politics have long blocked from political citizenship anyone whose cognitive capacity falls below a threshold level⎯marginalization with real-world repercussions on the implementation of disability rights today. Simplican’s compelling ethnographic analysis of the self-advocacy movement describes the obstacles it faces. From the outside, the movement must confront stiff budget cuts and dwindling memberships; internally, self-advocates must find ways to demand political standing without reinforcing entrenched stigma against people with profound cognitive disabilities. And yet Simplican’s investigation also offers democratic theorists and disability activists a more emancipatory vision of democracy as it relates to disability⎯one that focuses on enabling people to engage in public and spontaneous action to disrupt exclusion and stigma. Taking seriously democratic promises of equality and inclusion, The Capacity Contract rejects conceptions of political citizenship that privilege cognitive capacity and, instead, centers such citizenship on action that is accessible to all people.
Geoff Horn
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780719088698
- eISBN:
- 9781781705780
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719088698.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, UK Politics
This chapter considers the experience of the Labour Government during the crucial eighteen month period following the general election of February 1974, including the nature of the Social Contract ...
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This chapter considers the experience of the Labour Government during the crucial eighteen month period following the general election of February 1974, including the nature of the Social Contract and the Government‘s failure to effectively tackle Britain‘s economic problems. It does so by reference to Prentice‘s experience in the Labour Cabinet as Secretary of State for Education, focussing on his important Cabinet alliance with Roy Jenkins and his increasingly fractious relationship with the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. The alliance with Jenkins enabled Prentice to resume his controversial and outspoken campaign in favour of moderate social democracy. By speaking out against the policy preferences of the Left, he represented, in its most overt form, the growing gap between Labour‘s parliamentary leadership and the extra-parliamentary party of left-wing activists and militant trade unionists. The EEC referendum campaign highlighted still further these growing divisions and threatened to split the Party. Prentice‘s controversial role in the campaign, with his call for national unity, brought his relations with Wilson to a head and provided the trigger for a successful challenge from within his local party.Less
This chapter considers the experience of the Labour Government during the crucial eighteen month period following the general election of February 1974, including the nature of the Social Contract and the Government‘s failure to effectively tackle Britain‘s economic problems. It does so by reference to Prentice‘s experience in the Labour Cabinet as Secretary of State for Education, focussing on his important Cabinet alliance with Roy Jenkins and his increasingly fractious relationship with the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. The alliance with Jenkins enabled Prentice to resume his controversial and outspoken campaign in favour of moderate social democracy. By speaking out against the policy preferences of the Left, he represented, in its most overt form, the growing gap between Labour‘s parliamentary leadership and the extra-parliamentary party of left-wing activists and militant trade unionists. The EEC referendum campaign highlighted still further these growing divisions and threatened to split the Party. Prentice‘s controversial role in the campaign, with his call for national unity, brought his relations with Wilson to a head and provided the trigger for a successful challenge from within his local party.
Stacy Clifford Simplican
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780816693979
- eISBN:
- 9781452950839
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Minnesota Press
- DOI:
- 10.5749/minnesota/9780816693979.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
The Introduction describes dominant approaches to disability--measurement, care, and identity politics--and discusses how these frameworks constrain scholars’ interrogation of the relationship ...
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The Introduction describes dominant approaches to disability--measurement, care, and identity politics--and discusses how these frameworks constrain scholars’ interrogation of the relationship between disability and anxiety. Analyzing anxiety is vital as it reveals how democratic equality is unattainable as long as democratic membership is hinged to cognitive capacity.Less
The Introduction describes dominant approaches to disability--measurement, care, and identity politics--and discusses how these frameworks constrain scholars’ interrogation of the relationship between disability and anxiety. Analyzing anxiety is vital as it reveals how democratic equality is unattainable as long as democratic membership is hinged to cognitive capacity.
Stacy Clifford Simplican
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780816693979
- eISBN:
- 9781452950839
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Minnesota Press
- DOI:
- 10.5749/minnesota/9780816693979.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter three argues that John Rawls’s treatment of disability discloses a double disavowal of disability in which Rawls uses disability to define key concepts and then disavows the role disability ...
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Chapter three argues that John Rawls’s treatment of disability discloses a double disavowal of disability in which Rawls uses disability to define key concepts and then disavows the role disability plays. I also analyze Rawls’s critics, showing how they too make cognitive capacity central to emancipatory politics, thus marginalizing disability.Less
Chapter three argues that John Rawls’s treatment of disability discloses a double disavowal of disability in which Rawls uses disability to define key concepts and then disavows the role disability plays. I also analyze Rawls’s critics, showing how they too make cognitive capacity central to emancipatory politics, thus marginalizing disability.
