Emotional rationality

◆Bringing moral concerns into political life ◆Re-examining the basic issues of liberal political philosophy···
【Content Introduction】
"Emotional Reason" explores some thorny issues in the field of political philosophy, including liberal moral identification, public reasoning, and universalism. It also critically examines several political thoughts that are widely circulated and influential in the Chinese world, such as Hayek's theory of spontaneous order, Strauss's criticism of pluralism and his view of the good life, and Berlin's view of history.
In exploring these topics, the authors emphasize the crucial role of moral principles and values ​​in political life. Political philosophy is a rational endeavor. Only through reasoning and its inherent universalism can the interests of all stakeholders be considered equally. However, this rationality is inevitably fueled by emotion. The countless discrimination, oppression, and suffering in the world fill us with unbearable and unacceptable feelings, which in turn give rise to concern and care, inspiring practical intervention.
Starting from the academic orientation and practical implications of egalitarian liberalism, and taking the current state of thought in the Chinese-speaking world as its primary context and background, the author attempts to re-examine the values ​​that liberalism identifies and pursues. The author argues that liberalism embodies a humanistic moral consciousness, and as such, it imposes clear moral requirements on political values ​​and institutions.
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The Emotional Reason is a rare masterpiece of meticulous thought, lucid writing, and profound insight in recent years. Grounded in contemporary Western political philosophy without being overshadowed by it, its content is rich in depth and originality. At the same time, it challenges readers to truly grasp its subtle arguments.
—Lin Yusheng (Professor Emeritus, Department of History, University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Though invisible, ideas are the steel that supports a society. "Emotional Reason" is a masterpiece forging this "steel" of society. Professor Qian Yongxiang excels at identifying and reinforcing the ethical support walls of the political system amidst a myriad of issues, expressing his deepest concerns for reality in the most abstract of terms.
——Liu Yu (Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Tsinghua University)
Mr. Qian Yongxiang's book is the best Chinese work on political philosophy that I have read in recent years. He provides the most rational and moving defense of liberalism.
— Zhou Baosong (Associate Professor, Department of Politics and Administration, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

2020-09-01

南京大学出版社

Sanhui Books

347

9787305231056