The Political Philosophy of Fйnelon, Hanley Ryan Patrick

A companion volume to Hanleys comprehensive English translation of F�nelons moral and political writings, this book focuses on F�nelons political thought as a method of understanding his impact on areas ranging from economics and statecraft to religion and literature. Hanley begins by reconstructing F�nelons political ideas for those who may be encountering his work directly or at length for the first time. He then articulates the connections between F�nelons political thought and several other fields to which he made significant and long-recognized contributions, including not only philosophy and political science, but also economics, education, literature, theology, and spirituality. Building from this foundation, Hanley constructs a new understanding and appreciation of F�nelons political thought and its significance. He argues that F�nelon is better understood as a moderate and modern thinker rather than as a radical or reactionary, and that F�nelon deserves to be seen not merely as a political thinker but as a political philosopher, one whose work has direct relevance to our political world today.