Hypocrisy and integrity : Machiavelli, Rousseau, and the ethics of politics / Ruth W. Grant.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Grant, Ruth W. (Ruth Weissbourd), 1951-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political ethics.

Compromise (Ethics).

Hypocrisy.

Machiavelli, Niccolò, 1469-1527.

Machiavelli, Niccolò.

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques, 1712-1778.

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques.

Political science.

Physical Description:

xii, 201 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 1997.

Summary:

In her new book, Ruth W. Grant questions the usual judgments of political ethics. Arguing that hypocrisy can be constructive and that strictly principled behavior can be destructive, she explores the full range of ethical alternatives by brilliantly distinguishing among the varieties of hypocrisy and integrity.

Both Machiavelli and Rousseau recognized that the irrationalities of human nature made a totally honest and rational politics impossible. Drawing on their insights, Grant shows that the tasks of the politician -- building coalitions among conflicting interests, uniting groups with a basic mistrust of one another -- cannot be accomplished while remaining inflexibly attached to principle. By clarifying the differences between idealism and fanaticism, moderation and rationalization, Grant's inquiry uncovers the moral limits of compromise and reveals new standards for ethical judgment.

A subtle and provocative study in political philosophy, Hypocrisy and Integrity also presents striking, original interpretations of Machiavelli and Rousseau.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 182-188) and index.

ISBN:

0226305821

OCLC:

35784472