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In our society there is a constant struggle between powerful, institutionalized hierarchies and people who try to resist them. Whether this resistance succeeds (either partially or completely) or fails, the struggle causes large-scale social change, including changes in morality and institutions and in how hierarchy and the struggle itself are conceived. In this book, Allen Buchanan analyzes the complex connections between the struggle for liberation from domination, ideology, and changes in morality and institutions, and develops a conflict theory of social change, which is systematically laid out in five clear components with a chapter dedicated to each. He examines the co-evolutionary and co-dependent nature of the struggle between hierarchs and resisters, and the appeals to morality which are routinely made by both sides. His book will be of interest to a broad readership of students and scholars in philosophy, history, political science, economics, sociology, and law.
List of contents
Introduction; 1. The structure and recurring patterns of the perpetual struggle against domination; 2. Revolution and the explanatory power of the concept of ideology; 3. Ideology and the authoritarian tendency of revolutions; 4. The ethics of revolution and intervention in revolution; 5. Findings and suggestions for further research; References; Index.
About the author
Allen Buchanan is Laureate Professor of Philosophy and Freedom Center Research Professor, University of Arizona. He is the author of many articles and book chapters on topics in bioethics, political philosophy, and philosophy of international law.
