Classical "Legislative Poetry" (Research on Political Philosophy Themes)

Author: Lin Guohua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Is the philosophical enterprise truly a freedom of thought that may endanger the authority of state law, or a moral obligation directed by the authority of state law? This is the question raised by the author when comparing the two great works of medieval philosopher Averroes, the Decisive Treatise, and modern philosopher Spinoza, the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus. It largely guides the author's research and leads the author to perceive a profound distinction between "legislative poetry" and "lyric poetry" in the tradition of Western political philosophy. The former burdens the philosophical enterprise with political and moral responsibilities, while the latter aims to preserve the natural right to intellectual freedom.
This book explores, through textual interpretation, the authentic legal-political spirit hidden in Western culture, as it flows together in poetry, philosophy, and history. By analyzing five classic works in Western culture—Labor and Leisure, The Laws, Macbeth, Robinson Crusoe, and On the Origin of Inequality and the Basis of Its Foundation—the book specifically examines how Western thinkers, guided by this legislative spirit, succeeded or failed in establishing good and virtuous states amidst concerns for divine will and withdrawal from worldly affairs.