What is Political Theory and Why do We Need It? 9780198088394, 0198088396, 0195699335, 9780195699333

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OXFORD

INDIA P A P E R B AC K S

W hat is Political Theory and Why do We Need It? Rajeev Bhargava

OXFORD COLLECTED ESSAYS

OX F OR D

INDIA P A P ER B AC K S

WHAT IS P O L IT IC A L T H E O R Y AND W H Y DO W E NEED IT ? R ajccv Bhargava In this collection of essays, Rajecv Bhargava explains the constitutive features of political theory and the pivotal role it can play in modern, pluralist societies. He examines various facets of political theory from an Indian perspective and elucidates conceptual structures of secularism, multiculturalism, and socialism. He shows how politico-moral reasoning can shape appropriate responses to contemporary challenges o f colonialism, terrorism, civil wars, denial of freedom of expression. massacres, and other forms of injustices prevalent in states and communities. Complex concepts in the philosophy of social science such as individualism, cthnocentrism, teleology, and social ontology have also been explored in this volume. This book will be of interest to social scientists, political theorists, philosophers, and intelligent readers in both non-western and western societies. R ajccv Bhargava is Director, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi. “Rajeev Bhargava...makes the study of political theory less abstruse and more accessible to the interested reader.’ —Frontline 'Bhargava seems to have a particular strategy for making political theory comfortable or at home in India.' —The Book Review

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Cover design: Vinay Jain

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ISBN 0-19-808839-6

OXFORD U N I V E R S I T Y I’ R F S S

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What is Political Theory and Why do We Need It? Rajeev Bhargava

OXFORD U N IV E R S IT Y PRESS

OXFORD U N IV E R SIT Y PRESS

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. Oxford is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press in the UK and in certain other countries Published in India by Oxford University Press YMCA Library Building, 1 Jai Singh Road, New Delhi 110 001, India © Oxford University Press 2010 The moral rights of the author have been asserted First Edition published in 2010 Oxford India Paperbacks 2012 Second impression 2013 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of Oxford University Press, or as expressly permitted by law, by licence, or under terms agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organization. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above should be sent to the Rights Department, Oxford University Press, at the address above You must not circulate this work in any other form and you must impose this same condition on any acquirer

ISBN-13: 978-0-19-808839-4 ISBN-10: 0-19-808839-6

Typeset in 10.5/12.4 Dante MT Std by Excellent Laser Typesetters, Pitampura, Delhi 110 034 Printed in India by G.H. Prints Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi 110 020

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