Political Theory: Tradition and Interpretation

by John G. Gunnell

A critical introduction to the study of the history of political theory, concentrating on political theory itself, the investigation and teaching of that theory, as well as the relationship between them. Originally published by Winthrop Publishers in 1979.

170 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Gunnell has strongly argued that the idea of a philosophical tradition is, at best, simplistic and, more likely, a myth. He has contended that the notion of thinkers "conversing" directly with those who have gone before them misunderstands the nature of the activity of philosophizing about politics. In this book, he elaborates upon that point and, in the process, gets the reader thinking about the philosopical tradition. I am especially interested in this book, because the author gave a presentation on the general topic to doctoral students in political science at the State University of New York at Buffalo four decades ago--and I was one of those listening to his talk.