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This book covers the field of and points to the intersections between politics, art and philosophy. Its hero, the late Sir Roger Scruton had a longstanding interest in all fields, acquiring professional knowledge in both the practice and theory of politics, art and philosophy. The claim of the book is, therefore, that contrary to a superficial prejudice, it is possible to address the philosophical issues of art and politics in the same oeuvre, as the example of this Cambridge-educated analytical philosopher proves.
Accordingly, the book has a bold thesis on the general, theoretical level, mapping the connections between politics, art and philosophy. However, it also has a pioneering commitment on the level of the particular, offering the first full-length study into the philosophical legacy of Roger Scruton, probably the most important British conservative philosopher of the late 20th and the first decades of the 21st century. It also allows reader to look into the philosopher's fascination with Central European art and culture. Finally, it also provides a daring analysis of the late Scruton's metaphysical inspirations, connecting the arts, and especially music, with religion and the bonds of love.
List of contents
Chapter 1. Introduction. Politics, Art and Philosophy.- Chapter 2. The Emergence of a Philosophy of Art and Politics.- Chapter 3. The Political Philosophy of Conservatism (vita activa).- Chapter 4. The Theory of Art and Culture.- Chapter 5. From the Philosophy of Art to Metaphysics (vita contemplativa).- Chapter 6. Conclusion. The Duality of Scruton's Philosophy of Politics and Art.
About the author
Ferenc Hörcher is Research Professor in the Research Institute of Politics and Government of the University of Public Service and Senior Fellow in the Institute of Philosophy of the Research Centre for the Humanities, both in Budapest, Hungary. He is a political philosopher, historian of political and aesthetic thought. He is also a published poet. His last academic publication was 'The Political Philosophy of the European City" (Lexington Books, 2021).
Report
"For the younger generation, particularly emerging academics and intellectuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of conservative thought's depth and nuances, this book serves as an invaluable guide. ... Hörcher's text provides a nuanced exploration of Scruton's intricate ideas about the symbiotic relationship between art, culture, and politics." (Ronen Shoval, Public Discourse, thepublicdiscourse.com, September 24, 2023)
"Anyone with a serious interest in Roger Scruton's philosophical thinking, his consideration on the relationship between art and politics, culture and conservatism, or simply desiring to know more about the great writer's love affair with Wagner, should read this book." (Paul Krause, Voegelin View, voegelinview.com, August 20, 2023)
