Customer Reviews

From Pluralist to Patriotic Politics: Putting Practice First

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Practical reason can involve the comparing of incommensurables."

Theory-based political reasoning operates by translating thick maxims into thin universal rules, or rights, and then imposing them indiscriminately, disregarding the particulars of the case at hand.

This is the flaw of pluralist political thought.

Blattberg argues that we abandon this scientifically minded political theory, which amounts to "cold reason," and engage "warm reason." Throw rights out the window. We can engage (literally) in conversation, and talk ourselves into one big warm happy family with a common vision for the common good.

If that fails, of course, we can compromise. If compromise doesn't meet our objectives, then we can resort to force to impose our vision for a common good.

The whole book seems to ignore the reason why pluralism was borne in the first place; i.e., the bloodbaths that resulted from the illiberal pursuit of a "common good."

So why do I give it 4 stars? It's very intriguing. Like watching a train wreck unfold, but better because the book is loaded with insightful criticisms of Rawls, Walzer, Rorty and others.