David Boucher Books

A concise introduction to the ideas and writings of the British Idealists. >

David Boucher surveys the history of thinking about human rights and shows that far from being seen as universal and emancipatory, they have almost always privileged certain groups in relation to others

A comprehensive introduction to the history of Western political thought written by a line-up of internationally renowned scholars from four continents. This definitive collection provides an overview of the canon of great theorists from Socrates and the Sophists to contemporary thinkers suchas Habermas and Foucault. Each contributor critically discusses the ideas and significance of each thinker and gives a summation of the best contemporary scholarship in the area. This volume will become the major resource for all students of political thought over the next generation.

"Both Dylan and Cohen have been a presence on the music and poetry landscape spanning six decades. This book begins with a discussion of their contemporary importance, and how they have sustained their enduring appeal as performers and recording artists. The focus then returns to their ambitions when they first started out, arguing that they both shared the aspirations of the Beat Generation of Ginsberg, Kerouac and Corso to be as famous as Dylan Thomas and live the life of his sense of unconditional social irresponsibility. The 'Rimbaud of Cwmdonkin Drive' took America by storm, demonstrating that the bohemian poet could earn a living outside the academy. The fame of Dylan and Cohen, while it fluctuated over the decades, was sustained and was sustainable because they self-consciously adopted different personas, or masks, to distance themselves from the public self. This necessarily requires an exploration of their relation to religion as avenues to find and preserve their inner identities. Their lyrics and poetry are explored in the context of the relation between poetry and song, and of Lorca's concepts of the poetry of inspiration, and the deep dark emotional depths of 'duende.' Such ideas draw upon the dislocation of the mind, and the liberation of the senses that so struck Dylan and Cohen when they first read the poetry and letters of Arthur Rimbaud and Federico Garcaia Lorca. We see that the performance and the poetry are integral, and the 'duende,' or passion, of the delivery, is inseparable from the lyric or poetry, and common to Dylan, Cohen and the Beat Generation"-- Provided by publisher

Focusing on R. G. Collingwood's political philosophy, particularly his work The New Leviathan, this study highlights the often-overlooked significance of his ideas. Professor Boucher emphasizes Collingwood's effort to merge philosophy with history and practice, showcasing his unique approach to differentiating utility, right, and duty. By linking ethical action to historical civilization, Collingwood's contributions are positioned as essential to modern political and social thought. This comprehensive analysis, enriched with manuscript material, serves as a vital resource for political philosophers and intellectual historians.

The book offers a comprehensive analysis of Bob Dylan's political artistry, exploring themes like alienation, protest, and the American Dream throughout his career. Contributions from experts in political theory, literary criticism, and popular culture provide diverse perspectives, including insights from Kant, Adorno, Lyotard, and Collingwood. Rather than adopting a singular approach, the authors collaboratively examine the interplay between Dylan's work and the realms of political theory and practice, enriching the understanding of his impact on society.

The book explores the evolution of political theory in international relations through the lens of influential Western philosophers. David Boucher presents a thematic approach that reexamines and challenges existing views on the dynamics between communities, nations, and states, highlighting how these relationships have changed over time.

Focusing on the methodology of studying the history of political thought, this book reflects nearly a decade of research and academic development. The author acknowledges influential teachers and mentors from University College, Swansea, and the London School of Economics, highlighting their contributions to the project. The research was conducted across several prominent libraries in the UK, showcasing a thorough exploration of political studies. The work emphasizes the importance of critical feedback and mentorship in shaping the author's approach to political thought.

First published in 2004. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE SOCIAL CONTRACT IN MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT? The concept of a social contract has been central to political thought since the seventeenth century. Contract theory has been used to justify political authority, to account for the origins of the state, and to provide foundations for moral values and the creation of a just society. In The Social Contract from Hobbes to Rawls, leading scholars from Britain and America survey the history of contractarian thought and the major debates in political theory which surround the notion of the social contract. The book examines the critical reception to the ideas of thinkers including Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel and Marx, and includes the more contemporary ideas of John Rawls and David Gauthier. It also incorporates discussions of international relations theory and feminist responses to contractarianism. Together, the essays provide a comprehensive introduction to theories and critiques of the social contract within a broad political theoretical framework.