Social Sciences - General & Miscellaneous, Communism, General & Miscellaneous European History, Social Structure & Social Change, European Studies, Eastern European History, Sociology, Europe - Politics & Government, National Characteristics

Philosophical Reflections on the Changes in Eastern Europe

Name: Philosophical Reflections on the Changes in Eastern Europe
Author: William L. McBride
ISBN: 9781461640790

by William L. McBride

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Overview

In this timely book, two philosophers_one American, one Bulgarian_explore the significance of the changes in Eastern Europe that began in 1989, and offer two alternative perspectives about them. The momentous events taking place in this region challenge philosophers to look for deeper understandings and explanations than are called for in purely strategic, political accounts. Philosophical Reflections on the Changes in Eastern Europe is written with an explicit awareness of the great differences_in cultural traditions, recent history, and current conditions_among the different regions and countries of Central and Eastern Europe, but the authors focus above all on certain significant commonalities that are fully understandable only within a larger, global context. They explore such issues as the role of ideology, past and present; 'conversions,' real or apparent, of intellectuals; the place of philosophers in politics; the relationship between democratic slogans and everyday realities; and special concerns of women. Social and political philosophers, political scientists, and scholars of Eastern Europe will want to have this book on their shelves.

About the Author, William L. McBride

William L. McBride is professor of philosophy at Purdue University. He is the author of Social and Political Philosophy, Sartre's Political Theory, The Philosophy of Marx, Social Theory at a Crossroads, and Fundamental Change in Law and Society: Hart and Sartre on Revolution and is the Edior of Sartre and Existentialism.

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Editorials

Booknews

Distinguishing it carefully from official Marxist-Leninist ideology and practice, McBride (philosophy, Purdue U.) examines the state of Marxist philosophy after the collapse of the Soviet bloc. He compares the climate before and after the change, conversions and continuities, the theory and practice of philosophy, values, worldviews, and other aspects. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Irish Slavonic Studies

Philosopher-speak can easily become 'a language that the stranger does not know,' but McBride avoids the commonest pitfalls throughout the seven essays in this slim, accessible volume.
— Raymond Pearson, University of Ulster, Coleraine