Neoconservatism: An Obituary for an IdeaAn obituary so soon! Surely the reports of neoconservatism's death are greatly exaggerated. C. Bradley Thompson has written (with Yaron Brook) the most comprehensive and original analysis of neoconservatism yet published and in the process has dealt it a mortal blow. Neoconservatism: An Obituary for an Idea reveals publicly for the first time what the neocons call their philosophy of governance--their plan for governing America. This book explicates the deepest philosophic principles of neoconservatism, traces the intellectual relationship between the political philosopher Leo Strauss and contemporary neoconservative political actors, and provides a trenchant critique of neoconservatism from the perspective of America's founding principles. The theme of this timely book--neoconservatism as a species of anti-Americanism--will shake up the intellectual salons of both the Left and Right. What makes this book so compelling is that Thompson actually lived for many years in the Straussian/neoconservative intellectual world. Neoconservatism therefore fits into the "breaking ranks" tradition of scholarly criticism and breaks the mold when it comes to informed, incisive, nonpartisan critique of neoconservative thought and action. |
From inside the book
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... self - interest . The full scope and consequences of that contempt will be seen at the end of this chapter . ) Strauss accepted the all - too - common view of most German philosophers that self - interest is base , but self - sacrifice ...
... self - sacrifice and selfless duty to something greater than the self , to the greater good , to the public inter- est , and to the nation . In drawing a hard distinction between " the noble and the useful , between duty and self - interest ...
... individual self - interest . The major weakness of a capitalist society , ac- cording to Kristol , is its supposed immorality— “ the self - interested nature of commercial activity . " In this , a market economy promotes a society in ...
Contents
The Path to Power | 13 |
A New Governing Philosophy | 31 |
The Straussian Moment | 55 |
Copyright | |
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