Political Theory in Modern Germany
An Introduction
1. Auflage Dezember 1999
272 Seiten, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
This book provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to
the major political thinkers of modern Germany. It includes
chapters on the works of Max Weber, Carl Schmitt, Franz Neumann,
Otto Kirchheimer, Jurgen Habermas and Niklas Luhmann. These works
are examined in their social and historical contexts, ranging from
the period of Bismarck to the present day.
A clear picture is presented of the connections between individual
theoretical positions and the general political conditions of
modern Germany. Areas of political history covered in particular
depth include nineteenth-century legal and parliamentary history,
aspects of German liberalism, Weimar social democracy, political
Catholicism, Adenauer and Erhard, Brandt's reforms and the
Tendenzwende of the late 1970s. By closely linking intellectual and
political history, this work examines how recent German political
theory has developed as a set of varying responses to recurring
aspects and problems of political life in modern Germany. At the
same time, it addresses the philosophical and political
implications of the works which it treats, and it critically
examines how modern German political theory has contributed to
broader attempts to theorize political legitimacy and politics
itself.
This book will be of interest to students of political theory,
German studies and European political history.
Introduction.
1. Max Weber.
2. Carl Schmitt.
3. Franz Neumann and Otto Kirchheimer.
4. Jurgen Habermas.
5. Niklas Luhmann.
Conclusion.
References.
Index.
book on theory ... Thornhill situates each thinker's theory within
the debate over the direction of political institutions in
Germany.' New Political Science
'This immensely learned and informative study examines in
detail the work of four of the leading political theorists in
Germany in the 20th Century: Max Weber, Carl Schmitt, Jürgen
Habermas, and Niklas Luhmann, along with a briefer treatment of
Franz Neumann and Otto Kirchheimer. Thornhill's aim is not
only to explain ideas, but also to "illuminate the
interrelations between political theory and political event."
He provides a penetrating account of the main themes of each of his
chosen authors and situates them carefully in terms of political
developments within Germany. The objective might seem to invite a
superficial survey, but there is nothing superficial in
Thornhill's treatment. He seems to have read everything
written by and about his subjects and to know the history of
political and economic developments in Germany very thoroughly. The
result is an authoritative, stimulating, and quite challenging
account of an influential body of work. It is accompanied by a very
extensive bibliography, devoted mostly to primary sources. Highly
recommended for upper-division undergraduates and
above.'
Donald J. Maletz, in: Choice July/August 2000.
Selected for the Choice Outstanding Academic Books list for
2000
