Political Thinking: The Perennial Questions

This review is a response to an earlier review that claimed Tinder's book was anti-American and critical of conservatives. As an American, a devout Christian, and a conservative Republican, I felt obliged to say that I found this book to be exceedingly even-handed and quite honest in its portrayals. There isn't a single perspective in the book that isn't compared and contrasted with several other opposing perspectives. He devotes space to the strengths and weaknesses of each ideology. His tone is respectful. The only agenda in this book is to spur deeper and clearer thinking. To that end, it succeeds marvelously. And it's concise.

Glenn Tinder's _Political Thinking: The Perennial Questions_ is an interesting introduction to the study of political philosophy and political theory. It was assigned for an intro to political studies class I am currently enrolled in. The book's largest strength is that it presents various viewpoints on politics and focuses on numerous profound questions: estrangement and unity, inequality and equality, who should possess, what are the limitations and what are the proper end of power, and historical change. Tinder concludes his book with a thesis of "humane uncertainty." He notes how there are no exact and definite solutions to the world's political problems and that one should be extremely wary of any revolutionary political agenda, from either the right or the left, which promises a perfect world if all of its demands are met. He also takes into close consideration, as another reviewer notes, "the relationship between politics and metaphysics." Tinder notes well how faith in traditional orthodox Christianity has been on the downswing in Western societies during the past several centuries and how materialistic, man-centered methods of thinking have gained ascendancy in today's societies. Tinder's most sobering reflection is a hypothetical example of someone, someday establishing a perfect society on earth, totally eradicating injustice (in whatever form injustice may be correctly conceived). This perfect society would eventually die out anyway and fade into oblivion with each successive generation of human beings over time. Human history points toward an ultimate abyss as time passes making any achievement of a perfect society irrelevant in the overarching scheme of phenomena.

Perhaps the greatest reference work on one of the most difficult topics humanity faces: political philosophy. It's depth of analysis and provocative insight propel the reader to new heights of personal reflection and understanding, successfully assisting civilization in its struggle to become something we cannot be. I thank the author.

I first read this book as an undergrad, and now as a graduate student in politcal theory, I still find my self going back to its books lists for further reading. Tinder does what so few popularizers of complex issues fail at--making a hard, relevant discipline accessible without oversimplifying, without denying its complexity. Political philosophers, especially those in philosophy departments, should follow Tinder's example.

I have assigned Tinder's book for years in my university Political Theory course. (As have many others, given it is in its sixth edition.) It is the single finest text I have ever found for a general theory course. Tinder provides by means of a thoughtful, open-minded series of broad question and answer segments perhaps the most accessible work to undergraduate students I have ever seen in Political Theory. (Others have tried this approach with less success.) The book's style and structure are equally effective for one looking for a layman's understanding of the important contemporary questions in Political Theory. Readers interested in the relationship of politics and metaphysics (theology is a particular interest of Tinder) will find the text especially valuable. Its ability to deal with highly complex questions in such an engaging style leads me to provide the highest recommendation.