The essential Stankiewicz: on the importance of political theory

Abstract

This book gathers together a selection of the core materials from a lifetime of writing by one of the more eminent political philosophers of our time. Written in lucid prose, this volume can be appreciated by both the professional political scientist and the educated layman. The selections are arranged under (a) values such as liberty, equality, tolerance, justice, the common good; (b) concepts such as authority, sovereignty, the social contract and natural law; and (c) major political ideologies. The result is an extended commentary on today's crucial issues: social change, violence, coercion and political participation. For Stankiewicz, the main concern of political theory is to establish principles relevant to the public good and to uphold the tradition of the public philosophy of civility. His writings show a remarkable assimilation of the classical body of political theory -- from Plato to Dewey -- the recognition of its tradition and beauty and of its historic role in human affairs. His neo-classical philosophy combats the ills of our society emanating from hedonistic liberalism, such as the pursuit of group rights, anti-authority stances, identity politics and the irrationalism of present-day political correctness. The volume contains numerous examples of his 'crossing swords' with thinkers of various persuasions, such as Leszek Kolakowski, C.B. Macpherson and Jacques Maritain.