The Philosophical Theory of the State
Paperback
PhilosophyGeneral Political Science
ISBN13: 9781025903903
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 388
Weight: 1.19
Height: 0.80 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Philosophical Theory of the State is a foundational work of political philosophy that examines the moral and metaphysical nature of the state and its relationship to the individual. Written by Bernard Bosanquet, a leading figure in British Idealism, this treatise argues that the state is not merely a legal mechanism or a necessary evil, but the supreme expression of human sociality and the realization of objective reason.
Drawing upon the classical traditions of Plato and Aristotle, as well as the modern insights of Rousseau and Hegel, Bosanquet explores the concept of the general will and the ethical foundations of social life. He posits that true individual freedom is only achievable through participation in the organized life of the community, where the state acts as the embodiment of the common good. The work meticulously analyzes the tension between private interests and public duties, offering a robust defense of the state as an organic unity essential for human flourishing.
This classic text remains an essential resource for students of political science and philosophy, providing profound insights into the development of social theory and the enduring questions of governance, authority, and the nature of liberty within a structured society.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
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15 different editions
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