A Political Philosophy of Conservatism: Prudence, Moderation and Tradition (Bloomsbury Studies in the Aristotelian Tradition)

Bringing prudence back into the center of political philosophical discussion, this book assesses how far the Aristotelian notion can be of use in thinking about politics today.

Key Themes and Approach:

• Reconstruction and Re-contextualization of Prudence:
  Antique, medieval, and early modern discussions on practical wisdom are revisited to show:
  • How our understanding of the virtue of 'prudence' has evolved over time.
  • Why this concept should be revived in contemporary political thought.
• Foundations in Aristotelian Principles:
  The book begins with basic Aristotelian ideas, such as:
  • The relevance of cooperation and politics in human life.
  • The significance of virtues and character formation for political actors.
  • The personal and communal resources necessary for right action in politics.

Evolutionary History and Contemporary Application:

Ferenc Hörcher offers an evolutionary history of prudence, tracing its development through:

• The Roman and Christian traditions.
• The construction of a conservative-republican political philosophy that emphasizes:
  • The relevance of local customs and traditions.
  • The importance of participation, compromise, and moderation in political activity.

A Unique Perspective:

The book argues that Aristotelian notions should be applied to describe the actions and speeches of political actors, while maintaining a focus on the normative dimension.

By presenting an original argument that diverges from mainstream contemporary political philosophy, this work enhances our understanding of the role of practical reason in politics.