Raymond Aron was a French philosopher, sociologist, journalist, and political scientist whose work critically examined the influence of intellectual thought on political ideologies. He is renowned for his seminal book, 'The Opium of the Intellectuals,' where he analyzed how Marxism in post-war France swayed intellectuals towards defending oppressive regimes while overlooking the flaws of capitalism and democracy. Aron's writing is characterized by its sharp analysis and rational approach to complex social and political phenomena. His extensive writings across various topics solidified his position as a significant voice in 20th-century intellectual discourse.
The book features a collection of insightful interviews with Raymond Aron, offering a deep exploration of political thought and history. Through these conversations, Aron reflects on significant historical events and political theories, providing a unique perspective on contemporary issues. The interviews highlight Aron's intellectual journey and his contributions to political discourse, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of modern politics.
This is the first part of Raymond Aron's landmark two-volume study of the sociological tradition¿arguably the definitive work of its kind. More than a work of reconstruction, Aron's study is, at its deepest level, an engagement with the very question of modernity: How did the intellectual currents which emerged in the eighteenth century shape the modern political and philosophical order? With scrupulous fairness, Aron examines the thought and arguments of the major social thinkers to discern how they answered this question. Volume One explores three traditions: the French liberal school of political sociology, represented by Montesquieu and Tocqueville; the Comtean tradition, anticipating Durkheim in its elevation of social unity and consensus; and the Marxists, who posited the struggle between classes and placed their faith in historical necessity. In his customary clear and penetrating prose, Aron argues that each of these schools offers its own theory of the diversity of societies and that ¿each is inspired both by moral convictions and by scientific hypotheses.¿ This Routledge Classics edition includes an introduction by Daniel J. Mahoney and Brian C. Anderson.
Raymond Aron, French scholar, journalist, philosopher, sociologist, and historian, is internationally recognized as one of the great thinkers in the modern social sciences, bringing to contemporary history the insights of both philosophy and social science. This edition focuses on Aron's lifelong attempt to bridge the gap between knowledge and action and to understand the dialectical relationship between history and politics. It is an indispensable introduction to one of the most important thinkers of our century.This volume also contains an introduction by Aron, which presents an autobiographical account of his confrontation with many of the most important ideas of this century. Miriam Bernheim Conant provides perceptive commentary as well as a chronology of Aron's career and works.
The book offers a profound re-evaluation of Carl von Clausewitz, highlighting him not just as a military strategist but as a significant political philosopher. Professor Raymond Aron, a prominent French social scientist, explores Clausewitz's influence on various aspects of contemporary society, emphasizing his enduring relevance in understanding the interplay between war and politics. This edition, first published in 1983, invites readers to reconsider Clausewitz's contributions beyond traditional military studies.
Engaging deeply with the essence of modernity, this two-volume study explores the sociological tradition through the lens of key social thinkers from the eighteenth century to the present. Aron's meticulous examination not only reconstructs their arguments but also addresses the ongoing influence of modernity on contemporary experiences. His work stands as a definitive analysis, offering insights into the foundational ideas that continue to shape our understanding of society and its evolution.
The book explores Charles de Gaulle's complex relationship with the Middle East, particularly his attitudes and policies toward Israel. It raises critical questions regarding his potential anti-Semitism and examines how his views influenced his broader international relations strategy. Through this analysis, the author delves into the intricate dynamics of de Gaulle's foreign policy and its implications for the region.
Focusing on the complexities of international relations, the book explores the inherent differences between state behavior and civil society. Aron presents a nuanced framework that combines theory, sociology, history, and practical application, arguing against the existence of a definitive science of international relations. He examines the influence of subpolitical forces, key twentieth-century events, and proposes a balanced approach to foreign policy that transcends both cynical and overly idealistic views. The new edition features an insightful introduction contextualizing Aron's work in a post-Cold War world.
Grounded in Raymond Aron's realist philosophy, the book explores the complexities of the Imperial Republic, engaging with themes of moralism, revisionism, and imperialism indirectly. It delves into the nuanced political landscape, examining how these concepts influence the Republic's identity and actions without taking a definitive stance. The analysis invites readers to consider the implications of these philosophical debates on contemporary governance and international relations.