What is Political Realism? Philosophy and Real Politics by Raymond Geuss

What does it mean to be realistic about politics? Why does Raymond Geuss, a Cambridge political theorist, describe himself as a "neo-Leninist"?  

In this episode, Louis gives a run-down of Geuss' hugely influential text Philosophy and Real Politics (2008), which revives the longstanding tradition of political realism in Western philosophy. Political realism is a way of studying politics which treats the political realm as distinct or seperate from the realm of ethics or morality. In this sense, realists treat political philosophy as distinct from moral philosophy. Notable realists throughout history include Aristotle, Augustine, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Niebuhr, Morgenthau, and Lenin.   

This is such an excellent book. Geuss writes clearly and to the point. Best of all, it's only 100 pages. I could not recommend it highly enough.  

Purchase 'Philosophy and Real Politics' (2008): https://amzn.to/3F2XFi7 (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)  

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