Politics and Vision
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Political theory, Philosophy |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Founder | Sheldon S. Wolin |
| Products | Political theory book |
Politics and Vision: Continuity and Innovation in Western Political Thought represents a significant contribution to political theory authored by Princeton Emeritus Professor Sheldon S. Wolin. The initial segment, comprising ten chapters released in 1960, differentiates political philosophy from broader philosophy and outlines its evolution from its Platonic roots to contemporary periods. The expanded 2004 edition introduces Part Two, featuring seven additional chapters that explore political ideas from figures such as Marx, Nietzsche, and others up to the late twentieth century. In this revision, Wolin preserved Part One intact, concentrating modifications solely on overlapping material within Part Two.
The enduring importance of this volume is demonstrated by its sustained adoption as a fundamental text among graduate students and academic instructors in political theory. Wolin highlights three principal transformations occurring between 1960 and 2004: first, the waning of Fascism and Communism accompanied by ongoing "semi-mobilization" practiced by liberal democracies; second, the extension of civil rights that challenge state-imposed regulation (for example, legislation against discrimination); third, an increased governmental capacity to "control, punish, survey, direct, and influence citizens." These shifts culminate in what Wolin describes as "inverted totalitarianism," a condition characterized by expanded individual rights paired with reduced civic participation under extensive governmental oversight.
Wolin conceptualizes inquiry as a method for uncovering truths, emphasizing that philosophy is distinct in its pursuit of truths verifiable through public demonstration. Contrasting with revealed truths rooted in religion or personal conscience, political philosophy corresponds to this public sphere since political institutions historically require laws to be open and comprehensible. For him, politics involves addressing collective issues through open debate, rendering it intrinsically philosophical.
He acknowledges difficulties in clearly defining political philosophy due to (1) the indistinct lines caused by political interactions with other domains and (2) the use of common terminology across diverse contexts.