Thomas Hobbes and Political Theory Edited by Mary G. Dietz 224 pages, 6 x 9 Paper ISBN 978-0-7006-0519-4, $14.95 This volume explores, from a variety of perspectives, the political theory of the man who is arguably the greatest English political thinker. It is the first substantial collection of new, critical essays on Thomas Hobbes by leading scholars in over a decade. Hobbes's writings stirred debate in his own lifetime, for two centuries thereafter, and continue to do so in ours. They emerged in a period of intense political turmoil--a time of civil war and regicide, of puritanical rule and royal restoration. "They were motivated," Dietz argues, "by concrete political problems and a practical concern--namely, to secure political order, absolute sovereignty, and civil peace." The contributors emphasize and answer a series of expressly political questions that, to date, have not been fully addressed in the Hobbes literature. They contend that Hobbes's writings are not mere static artifacts of a particular historical milieu, but rather rich sources of a variety of interpretations and criticisms that spur discussion and debate in their turn. Contents: Mary G. Dietz Introduction Sheldon S. Wolin Cornell University Hobbes and the Culture of Despotism David Johnston Columbia University Plato, Hobbes, and the Science of Practical Reasoning Gordon J. Schochet Rutgers University Intending (Political) Obligation: Hobbes and the Voluntary Basis of Society Deborah Baumgold University of Oregon Hobbes's Political Sensibility: The Menace of Political Ambition Mary G. Dietz Hobbes's Subject as Citizen Stephen Holmes University of Chicago Political Psychology in Hobbes's Behemoth Richard Tuck Jesus College, Cambridge Hobbes and Locke on Toleration James Farr University of Minnesota Atomes of Scripture: Hobbes and the Politics of Biblical Interpretation "This is a fine collection of critical essays that provide illuminating and novel interpretations of Hobbes. . . . It is a timely and very stimulating book . . . that will be useful to political scientists, historians, and philosophers."--Jeffrey Isaac, author of The Power of Marxist Theory: A Realist View MARY DIETZ has taught political theory at the University of Minnesota since 1982. She is the author of Between the Human and the Divine: The Political Thought of Simone Weil.   Home | About the Press | Recent Awards | Contact Us | Order New Books: | By Author | By Subject | By Title | By Series Books in Print: | By Author | By Subject | By Title | By Series ©2007 University Press of Kansas 2502 Westbrooke Circle, Lawrence, KS 66045-4444 Phone (785) 864-4155; Fax (785) 864-4586