Andrew Vincent - Böcker

The Politics of Human Rights provides a systematic introductory overview of the nature and development of human rights. At the same time it offers an engaging argument about human rights and their relationship with politics. The author argues that human rights have only a slight relation to natural rights and they are historically novel. In large part they are a post-1945 reaction to genocide which is, in turn, linked directly to the lethal potentialities of the nation-state. He suggests that an understanding of human rights should nonetheless focus primarily on politics and that there are no universally agreed moral or religious standards to uphold them, they exist rather in the context of social recognition within a political association. A consequence of this is that the 1948 Universal Declaration is a political, not a legal or moral, document. Vincent goes on to show that human rights are essentially reliant upon the self-limitation capacity of the civil state. With the development of this state, certain standards of civil behaviour have become, for a sector of humanity, slowly and painfully more customary. He shows that these standards of civility have extended to a broader society of states. At their best human rights are an ideal civil state vocabulary. The author explains that we comprehend both our own humanity and human rights through our recognition relations with other humans, principally via citizenship of a civil state. Vincent concludes that the paradox of human rights is that they are upheld, to a degree, by the civil state, but the point of such rights is to protect against another dimension of this same tradition (the nation-state). Human rights are essentially part of a struggle at the core of the state tradition.

The Politics of Human Rights provides a systematic introductory overview of the nature and development of human rights. At the same time it offers an engaging argument about human rights and their relationship with politics. The author argues that human rights have only a slight relation to natural rights and they are historically novel: In large part they are a post-1945 reaction to genocide which is, in turn, linked directly to the lethal potentialities of the nation-state. He suggests that an understanding of human rights should nonetheless focus primarily on politics and that there are no universally agreed moral or religious standards to uphold them, they exist rather in the context of social recognition within a political association. A consequence of this is that the 1948 Universal Declaration is a political, not a legal or moral, document. Vincent goes on to show that human rights are essentially reliant upon the self-limitation capacity of the civil state. With the development of this state, certain standards of civil behaviour have become, for a sector of humanity, slowly and painfully more customary. He shows that these standards of civility have extended to a broader society of states. At their best human rights are an ideal civil state vocabulary. The author explains that we comprehend both our own humanity and human rights through our recognition relations with other humans, principally via citizenship of a civil state. Vincent concludes that the paradox of human rights is that they are upheld, to a degree, by the civil state, but the point of such rights is to protect against another dimension of this same tradition (the nation-state). Human rights are essentially part of a struggle at the core of the state tradition.

The Nature of Political Theory is a controversial book which challenges the established nostrums of contemporary political theory. Its major contributions to current scholarship are threefold. It offers, first, a comprehensive, synoptic, and comparative analysis of the major conceptions of political theory, predominantly during the twentieth century. This analysis incorporates systematic critiques of both Anglo-American and continental contributions. The 'nature' of theory is seen as intrinsically pluralistic and internally divided. Secondly, the idea of foundationalism is employed in the book to bring some coherence to this internally complex and fragmented practice. The book consequently focuses on the various foundational concerns embedded within conceptions of political theory. The third major contribution of the book is to argue for an adjustment in the way we think about the discipline. Political theory is reconceived as a rhetorically-based, indeterminate subject, which should be more attuned to practice and history. Overall, the book makes a case for a more ecumenical and tolerant demeanor, suggesting that there are different, but still quite legitimate, answers to the question, 'what is political theory?'. Acceptance of this view would involve a supplementation of the standard substantive approaches to contemporary political theory. Students of politics should minimally be made aware of the deeply contested character of the discipline during the twentieth century. The book therefore challenges the way we think about political theory as a subject. The book can consequently be read on two levels. First, there are systematic concise expositions of distinct movements and arguments which have characterized the various phases of political theory during the twentieth century. Secondly, there is a deeper argument, which moves through the whole text, focusing on the theme of foundationalism. This latter theme embodies the contention that we should rethink the manner in which we configure political theory. As such, the book offers a unique and idiosyncratic perspective on our current understanding of political theory.

In his controversial new book, Andrew Vincent sets out to analyse and challenge the established nostrums of contemporary political theory. The nature of Political Theory offers three major contributions to current scholarship. It offers, first, a comprehensive, synoptic, and comparative analysis of the major conceptions of political theory, predominantly during the twentieth century. This analysis incorporates systematic critiques of both Anglo-American and continental contributions. The 'nature' of theory is seen as intrinsically pluralistic and internally divided. Secondly, the idea of foundationalism is employed in the book to bring some coherence to this internally complex and fragmented practice. The book consequently focuses on the various foundational concerns embedded within conceptions of political theory. Thirdly, the book argues for an adjustment to the way we think about the discipline. Political theory is reconceived as a theoretically-based, indeterminate subject, which should be more attuned to practice and history. Andrew Vincent makes a case for a more ecumenical and tolerant approach to the discipline, suggesting that there are different, but equally legitimate, answers to the question, 'what is political theory?'. Acceptance of this view would involve a supplementation of the standard substantive approaches to contemporary political theory.The Nature of Political Theory offers a unique and idiosyncratic perspective on our current understanding of political theory, making it an indispensable resource for all scholars and students of the discipline.

Covering the whole preparation process for your consultant interview, this is the only book you will need to succeed. Becoming a consultant is the key moment of your career and getting a position can be a difficult, competitive and stressful process. This book presents a medically focused guide on how to prepare for the interview, how to behave in the interview and finally how to put yourself in the best possible position to be appointed in a consultant job.Starting from acquiring the right experiences, qualities and skills for the job you want, the book covers writing CVs and application forms and the art of selling yourself, as well as the interview and any formal presentation itself. The book is designed to help you prepare for the job over a period of time.Easy to read and full of practical information, the book includes a series of exercises to help you practice and reinforce ideas and concepts.

This edited book introduces students and scholars to Comparative Political Thought. Featuring contributions from an excellent international line-up of esteemed scholars it examines some of the following issues:Is political theory 'Western-centric'? What can we learn from non-Western traditions of political thought? How do we compare different strands of national and regional political thought?Political thought in China, India, the Middle East and Latin AmericaIslamic political thoughtPolitical thought in the wake of post-colonialismThis is a much-needed overview of this key emerging area and will be of interest to all tsudents of political theory, thought and philosophy.

This edited book introduces students and scholars to Comparative Political Thought. Featuring contributions from an excellent international line-up of esteemed scholars it examines some of the following issues:Is political theory 'Western-centric'? What can we learn from non-Western traditions of political thought? How do we compare different strands of national and regional political thought?Political thought in China, India, the Middle East and Latin AmericaIslamic political thoughtPolitical thought in the wake of post-colonialismThis is a much-needed overview of this key emerging area and will be of interest to all tsudents of political theory, thought and philosophy.

Nationalism and Particularity, first published in 2002, is a work of political theory that examines nationalism in two ways. Firstly it draws out the ideological connections and associations of nationalism by analysing its relation to a series of key political concepts, theories and practices: namely, sovereignty, the nation state, citizenship, liberal theory, patriotism, communitarianism, multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism. Second, it looks at the drift to particularity in political debates by assessing nationalism as a key example of particularity. The central argument is that the notion of the particular in contemporary thought derives its moral and generative force from association with the idea of the personality and individuality. The book concludes that we should treat all forms of particularity with caution and scepticism. It is an original contribution to political theory accessible to students in philosophy, politics and law.

Political theory has expanded, diversified, and, some would argue, fragmented. This 1997 book presents work from leading scholars in various fields and reflects key debates in political theory. Its summary discussions will ensure it becomes a key text in political theory courses. Skillfully edited by Andrew Vincent, the book includes such topics as the relationship between history and theory; utilitarianism and rational choice; republicanism; multiculturalism and postcolonial theory; hermeneutics; feminism; communitarianism, and poststructuralism. While these chapters reflect the state of political theory, they also contemplate the state of the discipline more broadly. This will be an extremely important book for anyone studying political theory.

Political theory has expanded, diversified, and, some would argue, fragmented. This 1997 book presents work from leading scholars in various fields and reflects key debates in political theory. Its summary discussions will ensure it becomes a key text in political theory courses. Skillfully edited by Andrew Vincent, the book includes such topics as the relationship between history and theory; utilitarianism and rational choice; republicanism; multiculturalism and postcolonial theory; hermeneutics; feminism; communitarianism, and poststructuralism. While these chapters reflect the state of political theory, they also contemplate the state of the discipline more broadly. This will be an extremely important book for anyone studying political theory.

Nationalism and Particularity, first published in 2002, is a work of political theory that examines nationalism in two ways. Firstly it draws out the ideological connections and associations of nationalism by analysing its relation to a series of key political concepts, theories and practices: namely, sovereignty, the nation state, citizenship, liberal theory, patriotism, communitarianism, multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism. Second, it looks at the drift to particularity in political debates by assessing nationalism as a key example of particularity. The central argument is that the notion of the particular in contemporary thought derives its moral and generative force from association with the idea of the personality and individuality. The book concludes that we should treat all forms of particularity with caution and scepticism. It is an original contribution to political theory accessible to students in philosophy, politics and law.

The idea of the State is crucial to our understanding of 20th century political thought and practice, and there are now signs of a growing awareness of the interest and intrinsic importance of the State in political theory, international politics and jurisprudence. This book provides an overview of certain key problems and theories of the State, presenting them in a structured and systematic manner, and in doing so it aims to make the ideas and value of the State more comprehensible to the student of politics. An introductory discussion on the nature of the State is followed by chapters devoted to particular theories: the absolutist, constitutional, ethical, class and pluralist, with the aim of analysing, elucidating and criticizing each. Finally, the discussion turns to the question 'Is a theory of the State necessary?'

There has been a significant renewal of interest in the British Idealists in recent years. Scholars have acknowledged their critical contribution to the development of a communitarian theory of the relation of the individual to society and a widely accepted theory of rights. "British Idealism: A Guide for the Perplexed" offers a clear and thorough account of this key philosophical movement, providing an outline of the key terms and central arguments employed by the idealists. David Boucher and Andrew Vincent lay out the historical context and employ analytical and critical methods to explain the philosophical background and key concepts. The book explores the contribution of British Idealism to contemporary philosophical, political and social debates, emphasising the continuing relevance of the central themes. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of British Idealism, the book serves as an ideal companion to study of this most influential and important of movements."Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

This is a concise introduction to the ideas and writings of the British Idealists. There has been a significant renewal of interest in the British Idealists in recent years. Scholars have acknowledged their critical contribution to the development of a communitarian theory of the relation of the individual to society and a widely accepted theory of rights. "British Idealism: A Guide for the Perplexed" offers a clear and thorough account of this key philosophical movement, providing an outline of the key terms and central arguments employed by the idealists. David Boucher and Andrew Vincent lay out the historical context and employ analytical and critical methods to explain the philosophical background and key concepts. The book explores the contribution of British Idealism to contemporary philosophical, political and social debates, emphasising the continuing relevance of the central themes. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of British Idealism, the book serves as an ideal companion to study of this most influential and important of movements."Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

MODERN POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES Modern Political Ideologies provides a broad overview of the origins, development, and core principles of the major political ideologies of the past two centuries. With an accessible, student-friendly format, this bestselling textbook helps students understand the values, beliefs, and social forces that shape today’s political messaging, public discourse, and legislative agendas. Concise and approachable chapters describe ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, fascism, fundamentalism, and nationalism. Retaining the student-friendly format of previous editions, the fourth edition of Modern Political Ideologies is fully revised to reflect the social changes that inform today’s political views. An entirely new chapter offers insights into the growth of populism and its effects on contemporary political dialogue, while expanded material addresses anarchism, feminism, neoliberalism, environmentalism and “green” ideologies, identity politics, and other topics of current relevance. Containing a useful glossary of key terms and extensive end notes for each chapter, Modern Political Ideologies, Fourth Edition is the ideal textbook for advanced undergraduate courses in political science, political ideology, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. It is also an excellent supplement for courses in the social sciences and humanities that investigate the history of political ideas.

Fourfriends are intent on decoding a message leading to an astonishing truth, thediscovery of an artifact which holds a secret so dangerous for humanity that ithas been kept in isolation by an ancient organisation for millennia. Is thehelp offered by a mysterious woman of unknown origin genuine? Motivated by arace against time to save billions of lives the tors and churches of Dartmoormay provide more clues. Now they must look to the heavens for salvation.