Sensual Philosophy: Toleration, Skepticism, and Montaigne's Politics of the Self

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The writings of Michel de Montaigne have provided rich fodder for the work of scholars in myriad disciplines: philosophers have considered his view on scepticism, historians have examined his views on the Indians, deconstructionists and literary scholars have examined his view of the self, and political scientists have touched on his arguments for toleration. However, because these projects have been done largely in isolation, many have failed to see the relationships between the various aspects of Montaigne's thought. Alan Levine here unites Montaigne's thought to demonstrate the significant role Montaigne played in establishing the liberal ethos in the West. In exploring Montaigne's grounding for liberalism, Levine considers his conceptualization of scepticism and its relationship to toleration. He argues that Montaigne's theories of self ground his idea of toleration without leaving it open to the corrosive charges of relativism and nihilism. Levine also articulates the importance of Montaigne's thought for contemporary conceptions of personal freedom, individuality, subjectivity and self-creation by bringing him into dialogue with modern and postmodern political theorists such as Heidegger, Nietzsche and Richard Rorty. This book persuades those who might be tempted by postmodernism that they should turn to Montaigne instead.

Reviews

The book will quickly become the standard work on Montaigne and an important contribution to the larger debate over the crisis of modernity. -- Adam Wolfson, Executive Editor, The Public Interest
Levine's book should do much to introduce Montaigne into the canon of political theorists. He brings Montaigne into fruitful dialogue not only with the liberal and republican traditions, but with the post-modernity of Nietzsche and Rorty. Levine's Montaigne shares with them the rejection of metaphysical truth but retains a claim to self-knowledge among his professions of ignorance, an understanding of the human condition and its limits that provides a defensible basis for liberal toleration. -- Nathan Tarcov, University of Chicago
Sensual Philosophy is a subtle, beautifully written, and deeply learned book that helps us better understand the grounds and possibilities of modern individuality. Alan Levines important book argues persuasively for the originality and relevance of Montaignes understandings of individuality and the self, and what it means to be happy, whole, and tranquil in the modern world. -- Stephen J. Macedo, Princeton University
. . . .This book is more than just a study of Montaigne's views on toleration. The result is the best book-length study of Montaigne's political ideas yet published in English. * Perspectives on Politics *
This is an important new book on Montaigne, by a political theorist who is knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, literary criticism, philosophy, and cultural studies. There is not space here to do justice to the subtlety and sophistication of the arguments in this book. * Renaissance Quarterly *
Alan Levine offers a first-rate account of Montaigne's thought that promises to be a major contribution to our field. Political theorists could expand their (sometimes narrow) imaginations by reading this book. -- Aurelian Craiutu, Indiana University, Bloomington, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science
Levine enters into the already lively conversation about liberalism and adds a significant new voice to Montaigne scholarship. * Review of Metaphysics *

Author Bio

Alan Levine is Assistant Professor of Government at American University.