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Political Theory and Political Philosophy

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The Political Thought of C.B. Macpherson

Part of the book series: Critical Political Theory and Radical Practice ((CPTRP))

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Abstract

In this chapter it is argued that, though often described as a political philosopher, Macpherson is better thought of as an engaged political theorist who remains agonistic about philosophical theories in ethics, social, or political philosophy. In explicating his political-theoretical methodology, the chapter addresses Macpherson’s conception of a good society, his unique conception of ‘social ontology,’ and the advantages for engaged political theory of his philosophical agnosticism.

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Cunningham, F. (2019). Political Theory and Political Philosophy. In: The Political Thought of C.B. Macpherson. Critical Political Theory and Radical Practice. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94920-8_4

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