Philosophical Reflections on the Changes in Eastern Europe

Product Description In this timely book, two philosophers―one American, one Bulgarian―explore the significance of the changes in Eastern Europe that began in 1989, and offer two alternative perspectives about them. The momentous events taking place in this region challenge philosophers to look for deeper understandings and explanations than are called for in purely strategic, political accounts. Philosophical Reflections on the Changes in Eastern Europe is written with an explicit awareness of the great differences―in cultural traditions, recent history, and current conditions―among the different regions and countries of Central and Eastern Europe, but the authors focus above all on certain significant commonalities that are fully understandable only within a larger, global context. They explore such issues as the role of ideology, past and present; "conversions," real or apparent, of intellectuals; the place of philosophers in politics; the relationship between democratic slogans and everyday realities; and special concerns of women. Social and political philosophers, political scientists, and scholars of Eastern Europe will want to have this book on their shelves. Review Philosopher-speak can easily become 'a language that the stranger does not know,' but McBride avoids the commonest pitfalls throughout the seven essays in this slim, accessible volume. -- Raymond Pearson, University of Ulster, Coleraine ― Irish Slavonic Studies About the Author William L. McBride is professor of philosophy at Purdue University. He is the author of Social and Political Philosophy, Sartre's Political Theory, The Philosophy of Marx, Social Theory at a Crossroads, and Fundamental Change in Law and Society: Hart and Sartre on Revolution and is the Edior of Sartre and Existentialism.