James V. Schall and the Augustinian Recovery of Political Philosophy. (30th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Brian
• Is Part Of: Perspectives on political science. Volume 50:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 158
• Page End: 170
• Publication Date: 2021-06-30
• Subjects: Political science -- Book reviews -- Periodicals; Political science literature -- Periodicals; Political science -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Political science; Political science literature; Political science -- Study and teaching; Book reviews; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 320
• DOI: 10.1080/10457097.2021.1888626
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-7097

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this essay is to articulate the unique approach toward recovering the practice of political philosophy in the work of James V. Schall. In the first part of the essay, I will provide a description of Schall's architectonic view of the genealogy of political philosophy, and how he uses various philosophers in laying the grounds for seeing the unity of political philosophy itself. Following this, I will explore a first principle of Schall's understanding of modern political philosophy, namely, the overturning of the theoretical order for the primacy of the practical. Finally, I will examine the manner in which Schall turns to Augustine to aid in recovering a political philosophy which upholds the primacy of the metaphysical order as understood by Plato and Aristotle, and further articulated and defended by Christian revelation. In doing so, my aim is to show how Schall's use of Augustine is a partial step in looking to overcome the exhaustion of modern political philosophy, providing a more wholesome account of political philosophy. In further analyzing certain features of Schall's Augustinian approach to political philosophy, we will come to see him as one of the most significant theologico-political thinkers of 20th century.