Essential Stankiewicz, The

The Essential Stankiewicz gathers together a selection of the core materials from a lifetime of writing by one of the most eminent political philosophers of our time. Written in a clear and lucid style, this volume can be appreciated by both the professional political scientist and the educated layman interested in the concepts and issues that have formed our time. For Stankiewicz, the main concern of political theory is to “establish principles relevant to the public good and to uphold the tradition of the public philosophy of civility.” His writings show a remarkable assimilation of the classical body of political theory — from Plato to Dewey — the recognition of its tradition and beauty and of its historic role in human affairs. In all his thought, Stankiewicz applies the conceptual tools of political theory to the analysis of contemporary issues. His philosophy grapples with the two most powerful foes of our civilization: relativism, which he sees as the dominant mood or our time, and behaviouralism, the persuasion that has captured political science. Stankiewicz focuses on the ills of our society emanating from hedonistic liberalism, such as the pursuit of group rights, anti-authority stances, the emergence of identity politics and the irrationalism seen in present-day political correctness. The volume contains numerous examples of his “crossing swords” with thinkers of various persuasions, such as Leszek Kolakowski, Jacques Maritain, C.B. Macpherson and a number of advocates of unilateral disarmament during the Cold War.

“Professor W.J. Stankiewicz’s intellectual universe includes the best of both the continental European and the North American cultural traditions. His quest for a holistic interpretation of political theory has inspired several generations of Canadian students and also stimulated academic colleagues in breaking down the barriers of professional over-specialization.”

—Ted McWhinney, Q.C., S.J.D. Professor of History and former Parliamentary Secretary (Foreign Affairs)