MACMILLAN Norman Geras’s Political Thought from Marxism to Human Rights: Controversy and Analysis

This book provides a critical account of the main controversies involving Norman Geras, one of the key modern political thinkers. It moves from his youthful Trotskyism on to his book on Rosa Luxemburg, then his classic account of Marx and human nature, and his highly regarded discussion of Marx and justice. Following this, Geras tried to elaborate a Marxist theory of justice, which involved taking on-board aspects of liberalism. Next he attacked the post modernism of Laclau and Mouffe and criticised Rorty’s pragmatism, and then elaborated a contract of mutual indifference from a detailed study of the Holocaust. Lastly he wrote a book on human rights and humanitarian intervention, defending the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Cowling varies from exposition and admiration, to ideas about how Geras’s work should be interpreted, to criticism of his Trotskyism and of his support for the invasion of Iraq. The book will appeal to readers interested in Norman Geras and Marxism in particular, and social and political theory in general. Review “The book is a success. It is an informing, critical and balanced assessment of Geras’ philosophical excursions, if nothing else. … Norman Geras’s Political Thought from Marxism To Human Rights does exactly what it says on the cover, and perhaps that is all we might ask of it.” (William Hebblewhite, Marx and Philosophy, marxandphilosophy.org.uk, March 16, 2021) Review “Mark Cowling has produced a quite superb critical review of the work of Norman Geras, one of the leading political theorists of recent years. Covering the full range of Geras’s interests, including the history of socialist thought, the nature of justice, the claims of postmodernism, appraising the holocaust, and crimes against humanity, Cowling combines meticulous exposition with judicious critical analysis of the issues raised. Highly recommended!” (Emeritus Professor Lawrence Wilde, Nottingham Trent University, UK) “Cowling’s book on Geras is the best commentary available – clear, even-handed, and comprehensive. But it is also more: Geras was a pre-eminent Marxist political theorist engaged in important debates about topics such as justice and human nature and Cowling’s book is a good guide to this whole field.” (Emeritus Professor David McLellan, University of Kent, UK) “Cowling's book is the first comprehensive study of the works of a major mid-century Marxist intellectual. While sympathetically recounted, Geras's views are subjected here to discerning critique. Geras is best known for his contributions to the debates on Marx and human nature, morality and justice. In further compact chapters Cowling also explores the wider reaches of his controversial thought, covering the Holocaust, a 'contract of mutual indifference', Israel/Palestine and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The Marx revival is underway, and the Geras revival is long overdue.” (Professor Terrell Carver, University of Bristol, UK) From the Back Cover This book provides a critical account of the main controversies involving Norman Geras, one of the key modern political thinkers. It moves from his youthful Trotskyism on to his book on Rosa Luxemburg, then his classic account of Marx and human nature, and his highly regarded discussion of Marx and justice. Following this, Geras tried to elaborate a Marxist theory of justice, which involved taking on-board aspects of liberalism. Next he attacked the post modernism of Laclau and Mouffe and criticised Rorty’s pragmatism, and then elaborated a contract of mutual indifference from a detailed study of the Holocaust. Lastly he wrote a book on human rights and humanitarian intervention, defending the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Cowling varies from exposition and admiration, to ideas about how Geras’s work should be interpreted, to criticism of his Trotskyism and of his support for the invasion of Iraq. The book will appeal to readers interested in Norman Geras and Marxism in par