Roger Scruton: The Philosopher on Dover Beach: An Intellectual Biography

An intriguing portrait of Roger Scruton and his philosophy, with a new Preface and updated Bibliography of Scruton's many literary works over the years.

Roger Scruton was one of the outstanding British philosophers of the post-war years. Why then was he at best ignored and at worst reviled? In this intriguing portrait, Mark Dooley brilliantly illuminates Scruton's life and offers careful analysis of his work.

Key Themes Explored in This Biography:

• The Origins of Scruton's Conservative Instinct:
  Dooley delves into how Scruton's conservative perspective was sharpened during the Paris riots of 1968, a pivotal moment that shaped his intellectual journey.
• Opposition to the 'Culture of Repudiation':
  Scruton set himself the task of stridently opposing what he termed "the culture of repudiation" and dedicated his life to accomplishing this goal.
• Scruton's Central Ideas:
  The biography covers significant aspects of Scruton's philosophy, including:
  • His view of human nature.
  • His opposition to the social contract theory.
  • His criticisms of the European Union and United Nations.

Dooley argues that Roger Scruton was a prophet for our times—the one British intellectual who courageously rowed against the tide of liberal conviction and arrived at political conclusions whose truth is becoming increasingly evident.