This is a critical introduction to Raymond Aron's conception of political science, based on a careful study of one of his central statements, The Dawn of Universal History , with collateral reference to most of his other major works, and with a clear account of his unfolding thought. Mahoney discusses Aron's relationship to such political and social thinkers as Aristotle, Tocqueville, Marx, Strauss and Von Hayek. He shows how Aron represented in a lively and vigorous way a tradition of political prudence increasingly under theoretical and practical assault. Mahoney argues that Aron's notion of political science is superior to today's reigning social science in scope, rigour and availability to practical political leaders and citizens.
Introductory note - conjugating science and politics; the Dawn of Universal History - a commentary, Part 1 - change and continuity in industrial and political modernity; The Dawn of Universal History - a commentary, Part 2 - the dramatic character of the modern adventure; the liberal definition of freedom - Raymond Aron on liberty; Raymond Aron and the study of international relations; an outline of the liberal political science of Raymond Aron.
