Rethinking The Foundations of Modern Political Thought

Description

Quentin Skinner's classic study The Foundations of Modern Political Thought was first published by Cambridge in 1978. This was the first of a series of outstanding publications that have changed forever the way the history of political thought is taught and practised. Rethinking the Foundations of Modern Political Thought looks afresh at the impact of the original work, asks why it still matters, and considers a number of significant agendas that it still inspires. A very distinguished international team of contributors has been assembled, including John Pocock, Richard Tuck and David Armitage, and the result is an unusually powerful and cohesive contribution to the history of ideas, of interest to large numbers of students of early modern history and political thought. In conclusion, Skinner replies to each chapter and presents his own thoughts on the latest trends and the future direction of the history of political thought.

Annabel Brett is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College. James Tully is Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Law, Indigenous Governance and Philosophy at the University of Victoria. Holly Hamilton-Bleakley is an independent scholar.

"For fans of Skinner's work, Rethinking will be a desirable addition to their library, and even critics of Skinner can learn from this book...[Annabel Brett's] contribution lives up to the expectations set by the book title by asking what place Jesuit political thought of the second scholastic has in the foundations of modern political thought, when it does not fit in either of the two modes of political modernity highlighted by Skinner." -Kang Chen, Houston Community College, The Journal of Politics