Bhikhu Parekh – författare

Gandhi (1869-1948) was one of the few men in history to fight simultaneously on moral, religious, political, social, economic, and cultural fronts. During his time as a lawyer in South Africa he developed his strategy of non-violence: the idea of opposing unjust laws by non-violent protest, which he made the basis of his successful struggle against British rule in India.In this Very Short Introduction to Gandhi's life and thought, Bhikhu Parekh outlines both Gandhi's major philosophical insights and the limitations of his thought. He looks at Gandhi's cosmocentric anthropology, his spiritual view of politics, his unique form of liberal communitarianism, and his theories of oppression, non-violent action, and active citizenship. He also considers how the success of Gandhi's principles was limited by his lack of coherent theories of evil, and of state and power, and how his hostility to modern civilization impeded his appreciation of its complexity.Gandhi's life and thought has had an enormous impact both within and outside India, and he continues to be widely revered, as one of the greatest moral and political leaders of the twentieth century.

Gandhi (1869-1948) was one of the few men in history to fight simultaneously on moral, religious, political, social, economic, and cultural fronts. During his time as a lawyer in South Africa he developed his strategy of non-violence: the idea of opposing unjust laws by non-violent protest, which he made the basis of his successful struggle against British rule in India.In this Very Short Introduction to Gandhi's life and thought, Bhikhu Parekh outlines both Gandhi's major philosophical insights and the limitations of his thought. He looks at Gandhi's cosmocentric anthropology, his spiritual view of politics, his unique form of liberal communitarianism, and his theories of oppression, non-violent action, and active citizenship. He also considers how the success of Gandhi's principles was limited by his lack of coherent theories of evil, and of state and power, and how his hostility to modern civilization impeded his appreciation of its complexity.Gandhi's life and thought has had an enormous impact both within and outside India, and he continues to be widely revered, as one of the greatest moral and political leaders of the twentieth century.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

In addition to being a political thinker, Gandhi was also a political activist leading the largest anti-colonial movement in history and fighting against racial injustices in South Africa and the social economic and political injustices in India. He drew upon the Indian and Western, Hindu and Christian philosophical and religious traditions to develop a uniquely bicultural political philosophy. It was designed to illuminate the nature of oppression and violence, and explore both new ways of fighting against them and the basis of a non-violent social order. This study attempts to provide a critical account of Gandhi's moral and political philosophy. It places him in a historical context and examines his central philosophical assumptions, drawing on his original Gujarati works and is based on discussions with his associates and followers.

First published in 1973. Few concepts in the modern age have created more controversy in the discussion of social, moral, and political issues than that of ideology. Ever since the term was coined by Destutt de Tracy to refer to a scientific study of the origin of ideas, its meaning has undergone a series of mutation, until we have reached the stage where ideology can now be used to refer to almost any organized body of beliefs.Amidst these changes in the meaning of the term certain common preoccupations are detectable and certain fundamental problems remain. Is human reason capable of comprehending reality 'as it is'? Or is its approach necessarily influenced by the thinker's values, personal or class interests and personal or social prejudices? Is human reason a culturally neutral instrument or a socially acquired capacity that is unconsciously shaped by a particular historical age or society or class? There are fundamental problems too concerning the internal structure and rationale of specific ideologies such as conservatism, pluralism, and apartheid. This title will be of great interest to students of philosophy and politics.

First published in 1973. Few concepts in the modern age have created more controversy in the discussion of social, moral, and political issues than that of ideology. Ever since the term was coined by Destutt de Tracy to refer to a scientific study of the origin of ideas, its meaning has undergone a series of mutation, until we have reached the stage where ideology can now be used to refer to almost any organized body of beliefs.Amidst these changes in the meaning of the term certain common preoccupations are detectable and certain fundamental problems remain. Is human reason capable of comprehending reality 'as it is'? Or is its approach necessarily influenced by the thinker's values, personal or class interests and personal or social prejudices? Is human reason a culturally neutral instrument or a socially acquired capacity that is unconsciously shaped by a particular historical age or society or class? There are fundamental problems too concerning the internal structure and rationale of specific ideologies such as conservatism, pluralism, and apartheid. This title will be of great interest to students of philosophy and politics.

Bringing together distinguished experts in the field of race relations this book addresses questions which are increasingly relevant in the current socio-political context of Great Britain. The kind of visions of multicultural Britain which are currently being canvassed and the problems which ethnic minorities continue to face are addressed, together with an examination of the new policy initiatives which are needed to tackle these problems. Race Relations in Britain falls into three parts which:* analyse contemporary trends, articulating a vision of multicultural Britain and exploring important theoretical controversies* identify the obstacles that stand in the way of a racism-free Britain, looking at current policy in areas such as immigration, employment, education, the criminal justice system as well as the role of the media* offer a vision of a multi-cultural Britain, advancing new policies based on current research.

Bringing together distinguished experts in the field of race relations this book addresses questions which are increasingly relevant in the current socio-political context of Great Britain. The kind of visions of multicultural Britain which are currently being canvassed and the problems which ethnic minorities continue to face are addressed, together with an examination of the new policy initiatives which are needed to tackle these problems. Race Relations in Britain falls into three parts which:* analyse contemporary trends, articulating a vision of multicultural Britain and exploring important theoretical controversies* identify the obstacles that stand in the way of a racism-free Britain, looking at current policy in areas such as immigration, employment, education, the criminal justice system as well as the role of the media* offer a vision of a multi-cultural Britain, advancing new policies based on current research.

The Indian diaspora is one of the largest and most significant in the world today with between nine and twelve million people of Indian origin living outside South Asia. With successive waves of migration over the last two hundred years to almost every continent, it has assumed increasing self-consciousness and importance. Culture and Economy in the Indian Diaspora examines the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, South Africa, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Trinidad, Australia, the US, Canada and the UK and addresses the core issues of demography, economy, culture and future development. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the crucial relationship between culture and economy in the diaspora over time. This book will appeal to all those interested in transnational communities, migration, ethnicity and racial studies, and South Asia.

Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarianism, not only created a philosophical system which sought a rational solution to the problems of ethics, but was also concerned with the practical application of his theories to social reforms, administration, education and the law. This reissued volume represents a comprehensive collection of essays on Bentham’s work from J. S. Mill to the year of the book’s first publication in 1974.The wide range of Bentham’s concern and the varied reactions he provoked are well represented by the essays in this volume. It begins with Mill’s famous appraisal of the virtues and deficiencies of the theory that had so much influence on his own, followed by the criticisms of perhaps the ablest of Bentham’s (and Mill’s) contemporary opponents, William Whewell. Bentham’s psychology and analysis of human motivation is dealt with by John Watson, and in the editor’s own essay on the thorny problem of the justification of the principle of utility, the whole question of the link between specific human desires and the general desire for pleasure is examined as a psychological as well as a logical problem.The seldom-considered subject of Bentham’s logic and the way in which he anticipates in some respects the work of Frege and Wittgenstein is considered by H. L. A. Hart, who has also contributed a paper on the question of sovereignty. Bentham’s Political Fallacies is examined by Professor Burns, and the Constitutional Code and its projection of Bentham’s ideal republic as considered by Thomas Peardon makes interesting reading in the light of David Robert’s analysis of the impact Bentham had on the Victorian administrative state. Finally, there is Wesley C. Mitchell’s interesting paper on the notorious felicific calculus.The editor has written an extensive introduction which will prove useful not only to those unfamiliar with Bentham’s writings but to those acquainted with only one aspect of his work. Philosophers, jurists and political scientists should all find something of interest in this collection.

Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarianism, not only created a philosophical system which sought a rational solution to the problems of ethics, but was also concerned with the practical application of his theories to social reforms, administration, education and the law. This reissued volume represents a comprehensive collection of essays on Bentham’s work from J. S. Mill to the year of the book’s first publication in 1974.The wide range of Bentham’s concern and the varied reactions he provoked are well represented by the essays in this volume. It begins with Mill’s famous appraisal of the virtues and deficiencies of the theory that had so much influence on his own, followed by the criticisms of perhaps the ablest of Bentham’s (and Mill’s) contemporary opponents, William Whewell. Bentham’s psychology and analysis of human motivation is dealt with by John Watson, and in the editor’s own essay on the thorny problem of the justification of the principle of utility, the whole question of the link between specific human desires and the general desire for pleasure is examined as a psychological as well as a logical problem.The seldom-considered subject of Bentham’s logic and the way in which he anticipates in some respects the work of Frege and Wittgenstein is considered by H. L. A. Hart, who has also contributed a paper on the question of sovereignty. Bentham’s Political Fallacies is examined by Professor Burns, and the Constitutional Code and its projection of Bentham’s ideal republic as considered by Thomas Peardon makes interesting reading in the light of David Robert’s analysis of the impact Bentham had on the Victorian administrative state. Finally, there is Wesley C. Mitchell’s interesting paper on the notorious felicific calculus.The editor has written an extensive introduction which will prove useful not only to those unfamiliar with Bentham’s writings but to those acquainted with only one aspect of his work. Philosophers, jurists and political scientists should all find something of interest in this collection.

The Morality of Politics addresses the issues of politics and morality. The book asks the questions, has politics got a moral basis? Has morality anything to do with politics? Comprised of a collection of unique essays, the book looks at the idea that politics shies away from the discussing the morality of actions and confronts evasion by clarifying some of the basic moral problems of political life. It is a unique collection in which academics holding different political and philosophical views have come together to examine some of the burning and topical issues of contemporary society. The book will appear to all interested in the contemporary political environment and especially students of politics and moral and political philosophy.

The Morality of Politics addresses the issues of politics and morality. The book asks the questions, has politics got a moral basis? Has morality anything to do with politics? Comprised of a collection of unique essays, the book looks at the idea that politics shies away from the discussing the morality of actions and confronts evasion by clarifying some of the basic moral problems of political life. It is a unique collection in which academics holding different political and philosophical views have come together to examine some of the burning and topical issues of contemporary society. The book will appear to all interested in the contemporary political environment and especially students of politics and moral and political philosophy.

First published in 1975, this book explores the concept of socialism. The contributors to the book, all both socialists and academics, explore the philosophical ideas behind the concept, as well as offering thoughtful analyses of topics such as ‘Division of Labour’ and ‘Women’s Liberation’. Editor Parekh shows with this book that socialism is not merely an economic theory but a comprehensive view of life characterised by, among other things, a distinctive conception of man, rationality, and knowledge. Between them the contributors cover the essential aspects of socialist thought and provide a stimulating survey of the dilemmas facing contemporary socialist thinkers.

First published in 1975, this book explores the concept of socialism. The contributors to the book, all both socialists and academics, explore the philosophical ideas behind the concept, as well as offering thoughtful analyses of topics such as ‘Division of Labour’ and ‘Women’s Liberation’. Editor Parekh shows with this book that socialism is not merely an economic theory but a comprehensive view of life characterised by, among other things, a distinctive conception of man, rationality, and knowledge. Between them the contributors cover the essential aspects of socialist thought and provide a stimulating survey of the dilemmas facing contemporary socialist thinkers.

First published in 1974, this book gives a detailed and thoughtful examination on immigration in Britain, specifying the experiences of non-white intellectuals. In the first section – Viewpoint – each contributor, who was born and raised outside Britain, articulates and analyses the tensions generated by the conflict between his own native culture and that dominant in Britain, and the way in which, and the degree to which, he has coped with them. Each contributor observes English culture, elucidating its distinctive characteristics, and analysing the extent to which he feels sympathetic to them. In the second section – Response – distinguished philosophers, sociologists, and students of English character respond to the problems raised by immigrant intellectuals in their essays. This book is indispensable to everyone interested in creating a peaceful and culturally rich society in Britain.

First published in 1974, this book gives a detailed and thoughtful examination on immigration in Britain, specifying the experiences of non-white intellectuals. In the first section – Viewpoint – each contributor, who was born and raised outside Britain, articulates and analyses the tensions generated by the conflict between his own native culture and that dominant in Britain, and the way in which, and the degree to which, he has coped with them. Each contributor observes English culture, elucidating its distinctive characteristics, and analysing the extent to which he feels sympathetic to them. In the second section – Response – distinguished philosophers, sociologists, and students of English character respond to the problems raised by immigrant intellectuals in their essays. This book is indispensable to everyone interested in creating a peaceful and culturally rich society in Britain.

In this book, first published in 1973, the editor has drawn heavily on Bentham’s manuscripts and has tried to provide a coherent statement of Bentham’s legal and political thought. Unlike Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes or Mill, Bentham did not write one single work containing the basic principles of his legal and political philosophy. This titles presents Bentham’s work in a systematic manner, and will be of interest to students of philosophy, politics and history.

In this book, first published in 1973, the editor has drawn heavily on Bentham’s manuscripts and has tried to provide a coherent statement of Bentham’s legal and political thought. Unlike Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes or Mill, Bentham did not write one single work containing the basic principles of his legal and political philosophy. This titles presents Bentham’s work in a systematic manner, and will be of interest to students of philosophy, politics and history.

Although Marx’s concept of ideology has been a subject of considerable discussion, much of the debate has proved to be rather disappointing. There has been no systematic attempt to examine why Marx needed the concept of ideology, why it was an important concept for him and how it related to his views on truth and objectivity. This book, first published in 1982, considers these and other neglected questions. It explains why Marx continued to use the term ideology throughout his life to mean both idealism and apologia and traces the complex ways in which, according to Marx, such talented writers as Hegel became apologists. In conclusion the book outlines the lessons Marx learnt from his investigations into the nature and mechanism of ideology and discusses his theories of objectivity and truth.

Although Marx’s concept of ideology has been a subject of considerable discussion, much of the debate has proved to be rather disappointing. There has been no systematic attempt to examine why Marx needed the concept of ideology, why it was an important concept for him and how it related to his views on truth and objectivity. This book, first published in 1982, considers these and other neglected questions. It explains why Marx continued to use the term ideology throughout his life to mean both idealism and apologia and traces the complex ways in which, according to Marx, such talented writers as Hegel became apologists. In conclusion the book outlines the lessons Marx learnt from his investigations into the nature and mechanism of ideology and discusses his theories of objectivity and truth.

The New Politics of Identity pursues many of the central issues raised in the author's Rethinking Multiculturalism focusing in particular on their consequences for global politics. Parekh develops a theory of identity that combines respect for diversity and applies this theory to a range of key current debates on national identity.

The New Politics of Identity pursues many of the central issues raised in the author's Rethinking Multiculturalism focusing in particular on their consequences for global politics. Parekh develops a theory of identity that combines respect for diversity and applies this theory to a range of key current debates on national identity.

This important and much acclaimed book rapidly became a classic on first publication. In it, Bhikhu Parekh shows that the Western tradition of political philosophy has very limited theoretical resources to cope with cultural diversity. He then discusses how it can be revised and what new conceptual tools are needed. The core of the book addresses the important theoretical questions raised by contemporary multicultural society, especially the nature and limits of intercultural equality and fairness, national identity, citizenship, and cross-cultural political discourse. The new second edition includes a substantial additional chapter addressing key issues.

This important and much acclaimed book rapidly became a classic on first publication. In it, Bhikhu Parekh shows that the Western tradition of political philosophy has very limited theoretical resources to cope with cultural diversity. He then discusses how it can be revised and what new conceptual tools are needed. The core of the book addresses the important theoretical questions raised by contemporary multicultural society, especially the nature and limits of intercultural equality and fairness, national identity, citizenship, and cross-cultural political discourse. The new second edition includes a substantial additional chapter addressing key issues.