Political Philosophy: Basic Issues in Dispute

Author: Tan Ankui
Publisher: Central Compilation and Translation Bureau

 

Through sharp observation and thorough mastery of complex political phenomena, Tan Ankui summarizes the three most crucial philosophical issues in politics in his recent book Political Philosophy: Basic Issues in Dispute.

First, from the perspective of political authority and obligations, the book puts forward the question of whether a government is necessary and most importantly, delves into the nature of such a government. Second, it focuses on the rights and moral obligations of citizens by asking what citizens should be like. Third, it explores social justice and the nature of society.
 

On the first issue, the author doesn’t directly tackle whether or not we need a government. Rather, he writes at length whether we should be loyal to a certain government. After an in-depth discussion on the pros and cons of contract theory, fair game and identity theory, the book puts the unavoidable question of anarchism in political philosophy on the table.

The author starts the second theme by presenting the thorny problem of citizen theory—a confusing series of arguments in value judgment, which is why there has been no consensus on it in the field of political philosophy today and why the discipline is so popular nowadays. The core issue is how we understand citizenship and what capacity we have to cultivate citizens.
 

The emphasis should be put on two aspects: One is the rights of citizens and the other is the obligations and moral character a citizen should assume. The book resorts to two representative views, freedom and natural law, to explain the root of individual rights and how they are defended. In the discussion of the obligations of citizens, the book mainly dwells on domestic obligations while the international obligations of citizens, particularly the meaning and limits of patriotism, are also included.
 

On the topic of social justice, the book comprehensively introduces utilitarianism and welfare equality, which are more concerned with consequences. It also thoroughly explores egalitarianism that gives full play to opportunity. The author concludes that distributive justice should be based on the concept of equality and shared power of citizens, providing a basic background for people’s lives. In return, our society is shaped by a culture in which such a principle is enshrined, offering a fundamental environment for people to live good lives.

In a nutshell, the three issues mentioned in Political Philosophy: Basic Issues in Dispute are deeply intertwined, with slight differences in perspective and emphasis.
 

Finally, the book applies the “problem-oriented” writing technique and “combining history and theory” method in analysis, which enhances the readability of the text and at the same time helps readers extend a theoretical framework and resources.

 

Ge Siyou is a professor from the Department of Philosophy at East China Normal University.