Political Anthropology

Helmuth Plessner's Political Anthropology explores the essence of politics in relation to human nature, examining power struggles and cultural relationships.

In Political Anthropology, originally published in 1931 as Macht und menschliche Natur, Helmuth Plessner delves into the intricate relationship between politics and human nature. He questions whether the struggle for power among groups, nations, and states is an inherent aspect of humanity. Through a careful examination of political life, Plessner seeks to establish an anthropological foundation for the political, drawing upon his earlier work, Levels of the Organic and the Human.

Plessner engages in critical dialogue with prominent thinkers such as Carl Schmitt, Eric Voegelin, and Martin Heidegger, exploring how the political dynamics between cultures reflect deeper human possibilities. He argues that the relationships formed through political interactions are not merely about power but also about the quest for acknowledgment and understanding among diverse human experiences. This perspective highlights the complexities of human existence and the unfathomable nature of our social interactions.

This English translation of Political Anthropology is accompanied by an insightful introduction and epilogue that contextualize Plessner's ideas within the Weimar-era political landscape and contemporary debates. The book serves as a significant resource for philosophers, political theorists, and sociologists who are exploring the foundations of political thought and the dynamics of power in human society.