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First published in 1973. Few concepts in the modern age have created more controversy in the discussion of social, moral, and political issues than that of ideology. Ever since the term was coined by Destutt de Tracy to refer to a scientific study of the origin of ideas, its meaning has undergone a series of mutation, until we have reached the stage where ideology can now be used to refer to almost any organized body of beliefs.
Amidst these changes in the meaning of the term certain common preoccupations are detectable and certain fundamental problems remain. Is human reason capable of comprehending reality 'as it is'? Or is its approach necessarily influenced by the thinker's values, personal or class interests and personal or social prejudices? Is human reason a culturally neutral instrument or a socially acquired capacity that is unconsciously shaped by a particular historical age or society or class? There are fundamental problems too concerning the internal structure and rationale of specific ideologies such as conservatism, pluralism, and apartheid.
This title will be of great interest to students of philosophy and politics.
List of contents
Preface; 1. Ideology and Social Science W. G. Runciman 2. Reflections on Projections: The Range of Ideology Adrian Cunningham 3. Social and Political Thought and The Problem of Ideology Bhikhu Parekh 4. The Marxian Concept of Bourgeois Ideology: Some Aspects and Perspectives R. N. Berki 5. Ideology and Intellectuals Anthony Arblaster 6. Politics Without Ideology: The Perimeters of Pluralism Robert Benewick 7. Against Federalism Preston King 8. The Character of Modern British Conservatism W. H. Greenleaf 9. The Ideology of Labourism John Saville 10. National Interest versus Ideology in American Diplomacy Stephen Kirby 11. Ideology and Political Development C. H. Dodd 12. Industrialism and Ideology: The Ghanaian Experience Robert E. Dowse 13. Ideology, Policy and Capitalism in South Africa Harold Wolpe 14. Black Nationalism and Anti-colonialism; Index
About the author
Editors: Robert Benewick, R.N. Berki, Bhikhu Parekh
Summary
First published in 1973. Few concepts in the modern age have created more controversy in the discussion of social, moral, and political issues than that of ideology. This volume represents a departure in the literature on this subject in that dimensions of ideology are here explored in depth.
