The political thought of Crawford Brough Macpherson

Author

Kyung Ock Chun

Date of Award

8-1988

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Political Science

Major Professor

Robert A. Gorman

Committee Members

Joseph W. Dodd, Juan A. Allende, Vernon R. Iredell, Gary R. Purcell

Abstract

Canadian political theorist G.B. Macpherson has attempted to humanize western liberal democracy. His alternative is based on Marxist insights and is therefore critical of capitalist social forms. He rejects empirical-behavioral methodology in favor of a normative approach. His views on democracy are fundamentally ethical, and attempt to preserve the integrity of the individual as an agent of self-development, in this sense, Macpherson's thought is firmly grounded in western liberalism. And yet, his individualism is enlightened by Marxism, in its emphasis on equality of opportunity for self-development for all members of society. Equality, therefore, serves liberty.

However, Macpherson rejects the Marxian revolutionary model and instead offers a reformist strategy for transforming society along democratic lines. His theories have much to offer the future of democratic studies generally. His major contribution has been his reassertion of an ethical purpose for political theory.

Recommended Citation

Chun, Kyung Ock, "The political thought of Crawford Brough Macpherson. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 1988.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/11837