I will attempt to answer the question in which way Walzer’s perspective on political community is one that is incomplete and further a perspective which’s application is normatively highly objectionable. In the first chapter I shall explain what Walzer means when he speaks about political community and how the concept can be used to justify the use of force. Secondly, I will recite various omissions on Walzer’s part in regard to political community, respectively I will outline what he, in my view, did not see when he engaged in the theorizing of the communitarian concept. In the last chapter of my contribution, I will then analyze why Walzer’s notion of political community may normatively be seen as indecorous and even dangerous.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- 1: Walzer's Political Community
- 2: Political Community – What Michael Walzer did not see
- 3: A normative critique of Walzer's communitarian philosophy
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper critically analyzes Michael Walzer's concept of political community as presented in his influential work, focusing on its incompleteness and normative objections. It seeks to understand the limitations of Walzer's perspective and explore alternative interpretations that better account for the complexities of identity formation and social organization within a state.
- Walzer's notion of political community as a constitutive element of government and its implications for the use of force.
- The role of political community in shaping individual identity and the limitations of this view.
- The significance of "partial communities" and their impact on individual behavior and social interactions.
- A normative critique of Walzer's communitarian philosophy, highlighting its potential for justifying oppressive actions.
- The need for a more nuanced understanding of political community that accounts for the diversity of individual identities and social affiliations.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The paper introduces Walzer's concept of political community as a key element in his just war theory and outlines the research objectives. It highlights the importance of understanding the organization of social life and its impact on political decisions.
- 1: Walzer's Political Community: This chapter examines Walzer's definition of political community, emphasizing its role in constituting the state and its relationship to the government. It draws parallels with Rousseau's social contract theory and discusses the horizontal nature of the social contract between members of the political community.
- 2: Political Community – What Michael Walzer did not see: This chapter critiques Walzer's perspective on political community, arguing that it fails to account for the diverse and multifaceted nature of individual identities. It introduces the concept of "partial communities" and argues that individuals belong to multiple communities, which shape their identities and actions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This research paper focuses on the concepts of political community, social contract theory, just war theory, identity formation, partial communities, communitarianism, normative critique, and the limitations of Walzer's perspective on international relations.
- Citation du texte
- Fabian Hoffmann (Auteur), 2018, The Government and its People. Challenging Walzer´s Notion of "Political Community", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/437592
