Ian Tregenza

This is the first book to provide a systematic interpretation of Michael Oakeshott's philosophy as seen through Oakeshott's reading of the works of Thomas Hobbes. The development of Oakeshott's thinking is shown to mirror changes in his reading of Hobbes, and many of the distinctive features of Oakeshott's thought - including the modal and sceptical conception of human knowledge, the 'morality of individuality', the theory of civil association, and the critique of rationalism - find a fascinating focal point in his writings on Hobbes. Oakeshott also developed an influential interpretation of Hobbes' work, and the author argues that Oakeshott revealed aspects of Hobbes's thought that had previously been overlooked. Some attention is paid to Oakeshott's religious ideas, indicating what they share in common with Hobbes's philosophy of religion. The book situates Oakeshott's reading in relation to some other important twentieth century interpretations of Hobbes and examines its significance for broader debates in political theory and the history of ideas.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Philosophy, History, and the Theory of Politics
• Will, Agency, Individuality
• Authority, Freedom, and Civil Association
• Religion, the World, and Human Conduct
• Science, Myth, and Civilization
• Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Author Index
• Subject Index

· ISBN 0-907845-59-2 · Published by Imprint Academic · Cloth · 242 pages · $49.90 ·

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