The Idea of the Republic

In this lively and engaging book, Norberto Bobbio, the distinguished contemporary Italian philosopher, and the political theorist Maurizio Viroli, explore a range of themes relating to the idea of the Republic and some of the major political and ethical issues of the day.

• A lively discussion of politics and political theory by one of the world’s most distinguished political theorists and philosophers.
• Provides an excellent introduction to the work of Bobbio for the newcomer.
• Explains the idea of the Republic and some of the major political and ethical themes of the day.
• Demonstrates philosophy in action, with a breadth of reference including Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Rousseau, Pettit and Skinner.

Introduction to the English Edition.

1 Virtue and the Republic.

2 Patriotism.

3 What Kind of Freedom?

4 Meekness and Intransigence.

5 Rights and Duties.

6 Fear of God and Love of God.

7 The Republic and its Problems.

8 Hidden Powers.

9 Can the Republic be Renewed?

Notes.

"This delightful dialogue moves with ease between ideas in the history of political thought and political theory and issues in contemporary politics, Italian, European and global. It breathes new political life into old academic bones."
—Philip Pettit, William Nelson Cromwell, Professor of Politics, Princeton University Norberto Bobbio is Emeritus Professor of Legal and Political Philosophy at the University of Turin.

Maurizio Viroli is Professor of Politics at Princeton University.

In this lively and engaging book, Norberto Bobbio, the distinguished contemporary Italian philosopher, and the political theorist Maurizio Viroli, explore a range of themes relating to the idea of the Republic and some of the major political and ethical issues of the day. Through a series of engaging philosophical reflections on republicanism, patriotism, civil virtue, rights, duties, religious experience and more, they succeed in bringing to light the relevance of these concepts to our lives in the 21st century.

This book is an exciting example of political philosophy in action, with a breadth of reference (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Rousseau, Pettit and Skinner), and a lightness of touch which is uncommon to works in this field.

The Idea of the Republic provides an excellent way for a newcomer to the work of Bobbio to appreciate the scope and tenor of his work. For the reader already versed in Bobbio’s ideas, it will provide, above all, the spark of serious intellectual debate.