Author: Holger Zaborowski File Type: pdf The German philosopher Robert Spaemann provides an important contribution to a number of contemporary debates in philosophy and theology, opening up possibilities for conversation between these disciplines. He engages in a dialogue with classical and contemporary positions and often formulates important and original insights which lie beyond common alternatives. In this study Holger Zaborowski provides an analysis of the most important features of Spaemanns philosophy and shows the unity of his thought. The question Who is a person? is of increasing significance Are all human beings persons? Are there animals that can be considered persons? What does it mean to speak of personal identity and of the dignity of the person? Spaemann provides an answer to these questions Every human being, he argues, is a person and, therefore, has his nature in freedom. In order to understand the person, Spaemann explains, we have to think about the relation between nature and freedom and avoid the reductive accounts of this relation prevalent in important strands of modern thought. Spaemann develops a challenging critique of modernity, incorporating analysis of modern anti-modernisms and showing that these are also subject to a dialectical development, perpetuating the problematic shortcomings of many features of modern reasoning. If we do not want to abolish ourselves as persons, Spaemann reasons, we need to find a way of understanding ourselves that evades the dialectic of modernity. Thus, he reminds his readers of self-evident knowledge insights that we have once already known, but tend to forget. **

Author: Joseph M. Siracusa File Type: pdf This text assesses and evaluates the key U.S. presidential doctrines from Washington to Obama. It demonstrates that in spite of differences between successive administrations, in most instances presidential doctrines have articulated both the responses and directions conducive to an international order that best advances American interests, including democracy, open free markets, self-determining states that adhere to U.S. principles, and a secure global environment. This is manifest through such policy goals as containment, interventionism, engagement, de-entanglement, and securing the region. It also shows that the current dilemmas facing the U.S. are a continuation of perennial policy challenges, from Washingtons warning to steer clear of permanent alliances to George Bushs radical doctrine of prevention and pre-emption and Obamas reluctant realist doctrine. In navigating and assessing the key presidential doctrines, the book explains both the individual and defining themes American presidents have embodied in their respective doctrines in attempting to meet national interest goals. Ultimately, it shows that although each doctrine was formulated in reaction to immediate foreign policy concerns, each also addressed fundamental aspects of U.S. national security that led future statesmen to follow its broad objectives and prescriptions. **ReviewThis excellent overview of the development of key presidential doctrines from Washington to Obama effectively demonstrates how policy makers adapted these essential doctrines to new eras and circumstances in pursuing the national interest. It provides insightful and instructive reading not only for those who study U.S. foreign policy, but also for those who seek to shape it in the present and future. (Wilson D. Miscamble C.S.C., professor of History, University of Notre Dame) In this refreshingly well-written and original book, Siracusa and Warren survey the history of American foreign policy using presidential doctrines, and show an underlying degree of coherence in their advancement of Americas national interests. It is an impressive achievement and a significant and creative contribution to the field. (Thomas Schwartz, professor of History and Political Science, Vanderbilt University) An important examination of presidential doctrines in the creation of American foreign policy that takes seriously the wider international and domestic historical contexts in which presidents were operating. Siracusa and Warren present a refreshing focus on the continuing realist and practical strain of American foreign engagement. (Bronwen Everill, college lecturer director of Studies in History, University of Cambridge) About the AuthorJoseph M. Siracusa is Professor of Human Security and International Diplomacy in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, Australia. Aiden Warren is Senior Lecturer in International Relations in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, Australia.

Author: E. J. Lowe File Type: pdf Locke on Human Understanding, is a comprehensive introduction to John Lockes major work, Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Lockes Essay remains a key work in many philosophical fields, notably in epistemology, metaphysics and the philosophies of mind and language. In addition, Locke is often referred to as the first English empiricist. Knowledge of this influential work and figure is essential to Enlightenment thought. E. J. Lowes approach enables students to effectively study the Essay by placing Lockes life and works in their intellectual and historical context. The book provides a critical examination of the leading themes in the Essay, illuminating the main lines in Lockes thinking. Such topics include innate ideas, perception, primary and secondary qualities, personal identity, free will, action and language. Finally, E. J. Lowe examines the comtemporary work being done on this highly influential English philosopher.

Author: Fred Halliday File Type: pdf