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Hypocrisy and Integrity

Machiavelli, Rousseau, and the Ethics of Politics

Questioning the usual judgements of political ethics, Ruth W. Grant argues that hypocrisy can actually be constructive while strictly principled behavior can be destructive. Hypocrisy and Integrity offers a new conceptual framework that clarifies the differences between idealism and fanaticism while it uncovers the moral limits of compromise.

"Exciting and provocative. . . . Grant’s work is to be highly recommended, offering a fresh reading of Rousseau and Machiavelli as well as presenting a penetrating analysis of hypocrisy and integrity."—Ronald J. Terchek, American Political Science Review

"A great refreshment. . . . With liberalism’s best interests at heart, Grant seeks to make available a better understanding of the limits of reason in politics."—Peter Berkowitz, New Republic

209 pages | 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 | © 1997

Philosophy: Ethics

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Ch. 1: Introduction
Ch. 2: Machiavelli and the Case for Hypocrisy
Ch. 3: Moliere, Rousseau, and the Ideal of Integrity
Ch. 4: Rousseau’s Political Ethics: Integrity, Prudence, and Deception
Ch. 5: Rousseau’s Political Ethics: Corruption, Dependence, and Vanity
Ch. 6: Conclusion
Works cited
Index

Awards

North American Society for Social Philosophy: NASSP Book Prize
Won

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