The Pure Theory of Politics

by Bertrand de Jouvenel

In this concluding volume in the trilogy that begins with On Power and moves to Sovereignty, Bertrand de Jouvenel proposes to remedy a serious deficiency in political science, namely, 1987) was a renowned observer of British and American institutions. Daniel J. Mahoney is Associate Professor of Politics at Assumption College.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Philosophy

220 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Bismark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a good view of the society and its evolution and place of man in it. It is divided in six parts. The dialouge of pseudo-Alcibiades is insightful into the men and their urge to acquire power without first acquiring the wisdom to exercise it. It also explains how even in Parliament or Congress there are gatekeepers to power. The Part 5 which is I believe kind of a Prelude to Social Choice Theory.

Overall a good book, but author gives many references to classical works, which will be missed to the reader not versed in them.

[Eric Chevlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The foundational science underlying medical practice is chemistry, while that underlying chemistry is physics. This book is to sociology and political science what physics is to medicine. De Jouvenal addresses the fundamental interpersonal and then group dynamics underlying political science. He does not so much present new ideas, as much as he sweeps cobwebs off of old ideas. The addendum to the book is called The Myth of Solvability. In it the author explains that political disputes may occasionally have settlements, but can never have solutions. This should be the first book that any aspiring student of political science should read.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow and systematic exposure of political means and methods, often repetitive. De Jouvenel encompasses examples from the Roman Senate to Navajo tribal councils, but he is also heavily reliant upon hypotheticals using alphabetical markers which makes this work sometimes mathematic and academic. Though it lacks the sweeping historical profundity of his "On Power," it's still a very worthwhile examination of man violently chasing his own tail through eternity.

[Craig Bolton]

"PURE THEORY OF POLITICS, THE by BERTRAND DE JOUVENEL (2000)"