Search results

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Chapter 1 Introduction -- Chapter 2 Thinking and Acting -- Chapter 3 Theory and Method -- Chapter 4 Theorising Dark Times: The Origins of Totalitarianism -- Chapter 5 Theorising Political Action: The Human Condition -- Chapter 6 Theorising New Beginnings: On Revolution -- Chapter 7 Political Theory and Political Ethics -- Chapter 8 The Role of the Theorist -- Bibliography -- Index

Hannah Arendt's work has been noted for its unorthodox and eclectic style. Steve Buckler now shows that her unusual approach reflects a consistent and distinctive conception of, and way of doing, political theory. Through close readings of her works, Buckler argues that Arendt's work is an important and challenging alternative to the more orthodox methods characteristic of both analytic and post-analytic political theory. Key Features. Discusses Arendt's key works - The Origins of Totalitarianism, The Human Condition and On Revolution - alongside her less well known and posthumously published writing Shows how Arendt framed problems with respect to specific concerns in the modern polity and democratic culture Considers Arendt's views on totalitarianism, political theory, the concept of action, revolutions, political ethics, and the role of the thinker

The article develops and applies a framework for examining the way in which ideas figure and re-figure in political discourse. The framework identifies three 'levels' of discourse: theory, ideology and rhetoric. These are distinguished by reference to the differing performative conditions pertaining at each level, which in turn explain differing styles and modalities. The framework allows a multilayered examination of political ideas, employing an analysis at one level in order to illuminate another. The framework is then applied to the case of the idea of community as it has figured in recent British political discourse and allows an elucidation of the ideological adaptations and rhetorical strategies in which the idea has featured. The analysis reveals the discursive complexities attaching to the use of ideas in politics.