History, Politics, and Citizenship: A Biography of Hannah Arendt

Author: (Canada) Philip Hanson Liu Jialin
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Hanson places himself in the tense antagonism between Arendt and the left camp, sparking a highly engaging discussion: In an era where the elements of liberatory restoration politics are as clear as day, what opportunities and pitfalls do those who seek to achieve such politics face? This is a study of outstanding insight and illuminating thought. This new research offers a fresh and timely reassessment of Hannah Arendt's political philosophy. Centered on the central themes of all of Arendt's works, Philip Hanson also demonstrates the outstanding contributions her work has made to contemporary political debates. Particularly, Hanson argues that Arendt provides a compelling account of what constitutes politicized thinking and what constitutes politicized action. In today's world where genuine politics faces various threats, this account can help establish the foundation of contemporary civic reason. Among numerous themes, Hanson focuses on Arendt's views on history and historical action, her political arguments, her discussion of the distinction between the public and private spheres, her analysis of totalitarianism as the most common "false" politics, and her attitude toward revolution. This book offers a fair and timely reassessment of Arendt's contributions to social and political theory, and will be welcomed by students and scholars of political science, sociology, and philosophy.