Talking Politics

This book is a philosophical examination of some of the basic concepts of political discourse. It focuses on what is said by politicians, newspapers and people in pubs rather than on the works of political theorists. The theorists are not ignored, but are not given centre stage. This is a work of , but not on political theory. There have been other books on political concepts, but the philosophical ones are primarily concerned with what other philosophers have said. The non-philosophical ones, much more often than enough, go in for slick moralism and smart cynicism; appealing to popular prejudice, rather than challenging it. While trying to detect obfuscation, deliberate or unintentional, the author is aware that there can be honest muddles and that what seems to be sheer waffle may be a confused attempt to state the complex. The author's attitude is critical, but not cynical. He is independent, but not aloof. He does not believe that philosophy leaves everything as it is', but also believes that philosophy must be a patient listener. A.W. Sparkes is uniquely qualified to write a philosophical analysis of a political subject. He has taught philosophy for some thirty years and has had a lifelong fascination with politics. He has also worked in the library of an Australian State parliament and was a member of the staff of a university politics department. This book is essential reading for students of politcs and of philosophy. It will also appeal to (and provoke) others with a thoughtful interest in politics.