Publisher's Synopsis
This work examines some of the most important contributions to contemporary political philosophy, including the work of Rawls, Walzer, Dworkin, Taylor, MacIntyre and Habermas.;Warnke shows that the work of these and other political philosophers has become increasingly hermeneutic in character. No longer aspiring to neutral and universal principles, their work has become increasingly concerned with the contextual character of norms and judgements. They share the view that our political principles can be grounded only by showing that they are suitable for use because of our history and traditions, our social practices and the kind of community we have become.;Warnke follows through the implications of this hermeneutic turn in political philosophy. She critically examines the work of a range of theorists, highlighting tensions and unresolved problems. She argues in favour of the idea of a hermeneutic public sphere in which different voices can be heard, and in which free and equal discussion can replace consensus as a practical goal.
