One of America's most influential social philosophers offers a restatement of traditional liberal-democratic views as they pertain to our constitutional form of government.The topics explored in Sidney Hook's book include the nature and extent of human freedom, the Bill of Rights, judicial review as it pertains to constitutional interpretation and the balance of powers among the three branches of government, censorship, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, social justice, the importance of intelligence in political and moral spheres, as well as civil disobedience and the right to revolution within a democratic order.Here we have a sustained, nonpartisan analysis of the place of the Constitution and judicial review within our democracy. Special emphasis is given to reconsidering the proper role of the Supreme Court if and when a Constitutional Convention is convoked to address this and related questions.

The Paradoxes of Freedom (Great Books in Philosophy)

Biographies & Memoirs

Hook philosopher/author and winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Sidney

Leaders & Notable People

Prometheus

One of America's best known social and political philosophers, Sidney Hook, compiled this fascinating combination of essays, popular and technical, addressing questions by professionals and lay readers alike.Written between 1934 and 1960, these controversial essays generated heated discussion and polemic, the echoes of which are still being heard. Championing secularism, humanism, and naturalism, Hook eloquently argues against the claim that religious experience and metaphysical insight alone can discover truths about existence and reality that rest outside the domain of scientific method or inquiry.Crucial philosophical questions are discussed: What is the role of philosophy in life? Is "philosophical knowledge" possible, as distinct from scientific and commonsense knowledge? Does determinism vacate moral responsibility? Do religious and metaphysical beliefs possess cognitive meaning? What is the core dispute between materialism and idealism?Hook's provocative analyses will not only clarify these questions but stimulate readers to reassess their own views.

The Quest for Being (Great Books in Philosophy)

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

Sidney Hook, one of America's leading social philosophers, was a dedicated student and friend of John Dewey, one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. In this timeless volume, first published in 1939, Hook discusses the leading philosophical ideas of his mentor to highlight Dewey's central themes, their implications, and the relevance of his vision to the problems of American culture. Included in this intellectual biography are Dewey's thoughts on philosophy and culture; truth; logic and action; body, mind, and behavior; standards, ends, and means; the good society; education; art; human nature; and democracy.

John Dewey

Professionals & Academics

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Books by Hook philosopher/author and winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Sidney