This is the end. And the beginning.
After this American Presidential election, many of us find ourselves asking what we can do. Perhaps some of us can start by broadening our understanding of politics in the first place as action.
“Introduction into Politics” is the final essay in The Promise of Politics. which is a collection of essays on Arendt’s philosophy of politics.
“Introduction into Politics,” a title that by no means indicates an introduction to the study of political science or political theory but, on the contrary, a leading into (intro-ducere) genuine action.
-Jerome Kohn, Introduction to The Promise of Politics
Action for Arendt is to begin something new. So let’s take action.
“Introduction into Politics” subsections:
- What is Politics?
- Prejudice Against Politics, and What, in Fact, Politics is Today
- Prejudice and Judgment
- What is the Meaning of Politics?
- The Meaning of Politics
- The Question of War
- Does Politics Still have Any Meaning at All?
Because this is a longer piece, this final essay will be discussed over two meetings. If you are unable to purchase or borrow the book, please email Critical Theory Chicago for the reading.
For Monday December 5th, we will discuss:
- What is Politics?
- Prejudice Against Politics, and What, in Fact, Politics is Today
- Prejudice and Judgment
- What is the Meaning of Politics?
Summary of this section available here.
For Monday December 12th, we will discuss:
- The Meaning of Politics
- The Question of War
- Does Politics Still have Any Meaning at All?
- Epilogue