Realism in Normative Political Theory. Issue 10 (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rossi, Enzo; Sleat, Matt
• Is Part Of: Philosophy compass. Volume 9:Issue 10(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 689
• Page End: 701
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1111/phc3.12148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-9991

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>This paper provides a critical overview of the realist current in contemporary political philosophy. We define political realism on the basis of its attempt to give varying degrees of autonomy to politics as a sphere of human activity, in large part through its exploration of the sources of normativity appropriate for the political and so distinguish sharply between political realism and non‐ideal theory. We then identify and discuss four key arguments advanced by political realists: from ideology, from the relationship of ethics to politics, from the priority of legitimacy over justice and from the nature of political judgement. Next, we ask to what extent realism is a methodological approach as opposed to a substantive political position and so discuss the relationship between realism and a few such positions. We close by pointing out the links between contemporary realism and the realist strand that runs through much of the history of Western political thought.</p> </abstract>