Isaiah Berlin's Liberalism [Hardcover]

Claude J. Galipeau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0198278683 | ISBN-13: 978-0198278689

This is the first systematic study of Sir Isaiah Berlin's political ideas to draw on all of his writings, including manuscripts, interviews, and correspondence. Claude Galipeau focuses on Berlin's defense of political liberalism, which is based on moral pluralism and an interpretation of the historical and cultural development of western civilization rather than on abstract arguments about rights. Galipeau brings out the uniqueness and force of this defense while acknowledging, in his discussion of Berlin's Zionism, the tensions and complexities inherent in it. Berlin's political thought offers a compelling justification of liberal institutions in the contemporary world and this study is an invaluable guide to the range and depth of his work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`One of the virtues of Galipeau's worthy book is that he does not usually attempt to make Berlin more systematic than he is ... Galipeau's book is most useful for the way in which he arranges arguments from different parts of Berlin's writings into topics.' Times Literary Supplement

`Galipeau painstakingly exposes a thinker well ahead of his time, sensitive and nuanced, who walks a defensible line between the unhelpful excesses of contemporary debate. I also think this line is the best one to follow.' The Literary Review of Canada

`...fine introduction to Berlin's philosophical pluralism around a common theme. Galipeau aptly captures the conversational style, exceptionally broad range and ebullient enthusiasms of the most engaging raconteur of all contemporary political thinkers.' Political Studies

`Pleasantly written appreciation of Sir Isaiah Berlin's thought ... interesting - and persuasive - if it is read as an exploration of the relationship between Berlin's very personal and sometimes elusive intellectual point of view and the school of ideological thinking to which he happens to be most sympathetic ... I would encourage anyone interested in Berlin's moral and political thought to read this book.' Canadian Journal of Political Science

`balanced and scholarly account of Berlin's thought' John Horton, Keele University, History of Political Thought, Volume XVIII, Issue 1, Spring 1997

About the Author

Claude J. Galipeau is a Policy Adviser, Constitutional Affairs Secretariat at Ontario Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 28, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198278683
• ISBN-13: 978-0198278689
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,455,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.