The Cambridge Companion to Pufendorf
Ian Hunter editor Knud Haakonssen editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:17th Nov '22
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
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- Paperback£29.99(9781108460149)
Samuel Pufendorf, an influential yet lesser-known thinker, made significant contributions to political, legal, and theological thought, particularly regarding governance in multi-religious societies, as explored in The Cambridge Companion to Pufendorf.
The Cambridge Companion to Pufendorf offers an in-depth exploration of the life and works of Samuel Pufendorf, an influential figure in political, juridical, historical, and theological thought. While he is often compared to prominent thinkers like Grotius, Hobbes, and Locke, Pufendorf remains less recognized today. This volume aims to illuminate the full breadth of his intellectual contributions, making them accessible to English-speaking audiences for the first time.
Pufendorf's approach to governance, particularly in multi-religious societies, is a significant aspect of his legacy. He redefined the discipline of natural law, presenting a rationale for the sovereign territorial state that was rooted in secular principles. This shift not only provided a framework for political authority but also served to safeguard his own Protestant beliefs in a diverse religious landscape. His writings reflect a careful engagement with contemporary issues, showcasing his extensive knowledge of both ancient and modern literature.
In addition to his political theories, Pufendorf produced important works in political history and theology, as well as compelling polemics against his adversaries. This companion volume offers comprehensive coverage of his contributions, highlighting his role as a pivotal early-modern thinker in philosophy, political and legal theory, and history. By bringing Pufendorf’s ideas to a wider audience, The Cambridge Companion to Pufendorf enriches our understanding of the development of modern thought and the complexities of governance in a pluralistic world.
'This exciting volume brings leading scholars together to offer an authoritative view of one of the most important figures in early modern European thought. Haakonssen and Hunter's expert curation allows us to appreciate Pufendorf's cosmopolitan enterprise at the cutting edge of European intellectual culture, bridging disciplines, institutions and countries in a way that is reflected by the contributors themselves.' Annabel Brett, Professor of Political Thought and History, University of Cambridge
'Samuel Pufendorf's fame has lagged behind other pivotal early modern natural law theorists, but this pioneering collection confirms he was fully in their league and demands the attention that he has begun to acquire in our understanding of discourses of duties, rights, sovereignty, and international order. This volume is precious for the specialist and student of political thought alike.' Samuel Moyn, Yale University
ISBN: 9781108472692
Dimensions: 235mm x 159mm x 29mm
Weight: 790g
350 pages