Hypocrisy and Integrity : Machiavelli, Rousseau, and the Ethics of Politics

Questioning the usual judgements of political ethics, Ruth W. Grant argues that hypocrisy can actually be constructive while strictly principled behavior can be destructive. __Hypocrisy and Integrity__ offers a new conceptual framework that clarifies the differences between idealism and fanaticism while it uncovers the moral limits of compromise. "Exciting and provocative. . . . Grant's work is to be highly recommended, offering a fresh reading of Rousseau and Machiavelli as well as presenting a penetrating analysis of hypocrisy and integrity."—Ronald J. Terchek, __American Political Science Review__ "A great refreshment. . . . With liberalism's best interests at heart, Grant seeks to make available a better understanding of the limits of reason in politics."—Peter Berkowitz, __New Republic__ In Her New Book Ruth W. Grant Challenges The Usual Standards For Political Ethics. Arguing That Hypocrisy Can Be Constructive And That Strictly Principled Behavior Can Be Destructive, She Explores The Full Range Of Ethical Choices By Brilliantly Distinguishing Among The Varieties Of Hypocrisy And Integrity. Grant Focuses Primarily On The Works Of Machiavelli And Rousseau. While Machiavelli Is Often Understood As Arguing For The Necessity Of Hypocrisy, Rousseau Is Portrayed As An Antihypocrite Who Advocates A Principled Idealism. Grant's Reinterpretation Of These Thinkers, However, Allows Us To See Their Considerable Common Ground. Both Understood That Political Relationships Require Hypocrisy, Since Such Ties Are Formed And Maintained Among People Whose Interests Conflict And Who Need, Yet Cannot Trust, One Another. Both Also Appreciated The Inevitable Allure Of Ambition, Vanity, And Pride In Building And Maintaining These Relationships. In This Light, Machiavelli And Rousseau Could Be Considered Critics Of The Liberal Project, Which Both Would View As An Ultimately Fruitless Attempt To Establish Open, Honest, And Rational Politics. As Grant Reveals, Hypocrisy Can Be Found In The Most Unlikely People - Be They Moralists, With Their Unwavering Devotion To Principle, Or Moderates, With Their Complacency Toward Injustice. Rather Than Condemning Hypocrisy Altogether, Then, One Must Subtly Discriminate Among Its Various Forms. Drawing On A Wealth Of Material, From Moliere's Comedies To Rousseau's Conception Of Political Integrity, Grant Offers A New Conceptual Framework, One That Clarifies The Differences Between Idealism And Fanaticism, Moderation And Rationalization. Her Inquiry Uncovers The Moral Limits Of Compromise And Argues That We Must Judge Political Behavior With A Discerning Eye, Keeping The Images Of Integrity That Guide Our Judgment Always Within Our Sight. Ch. 1. Introduction -- Ch. 2. Machiavelli And The Case For Hypocrisy -- Ch. 3. Moliere, Rousseau, And The Ideal Of Integrity -- Ch. 4. Rousseau's Political Ethics: Integrity, Prudence, And Deception -- Ch. 5. Rousseau's Political Ethics: Corruption, Dependence, And Vanity -- Ch. 6. Conclusion. Ruth W. Grant. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 182-188) And Index. In her new book, Ruth W. Grant questions the usual judgments of political ethics. Arguing that hypocrisy can be constructive and that strictly principled behavior can be destructive, she explores the full range of ethical alternatives by brilliantly distinguishing among the varieties of hypocrisy and integrity.Both Machiavelli and Rousseau recognized that the irrationalities of human nature made a totally honest and rational politics impossible. Drawing on their insights, Grant shows that the tasks of the politician -- building coalitions among conflicting interests, uniting groups with a basic mistrust of one another -- cannot be accomplished while remaining inflexibly attached to principle. By clarifying the differences between idealism and fanaticism, moderation and rationalization, Grant's inquiry uncovers the moral limits of compromise and reveals new standards for ethical judgment.A subtle and provocative study in political philosophy, Hypocrisy and Integrity also presents striking, original interpretations of Machiavelli and Rousseau.

Questioning the usual judgements of political ethics, Ruth W. Grant argues that hypocrisy can actually be constructive while strictly principled behavior can be destructive. Hypocrisy and Integrity offers a new conceptual framework that clarifies the differences between idealism and fanaticism while it uncovers the moral limits of compromise.

"Exciting and provocative. . . . Grant's work is to be highly recommended, offering a fresh reading of Rousseau and Machiavelli as well as presenting a penetrating analysis of hypocrisy and integrity."—Ronald J. Terchek, American Political Science Review

"A great refreshment. . . . With liberalism's best interests at heart, Grant seeks to make available a better understanding of the limits of reason in politics."—Peter Berkowitz, New Republic

American Political Science Review - Ronald J. Terchek

Ruth Grant has written an exciting and provocative work reassessing the role of hypocracy and integrity in politics.

Questioning the usual judgements of political ethics, Ruth W. Grant argues that hypocrisy can actually be constructive while strictly principled behavior can be destructive. Hypocrisy and Integrity offers a new conceptual framework that clarifies the differences between idealism and fanaticism while it uncovers the moral limits of compromise. -- Provided by publisher