The Augustinian Imperative: A Reflection on the Politics of Morality (Modernity and Political Thought)

Drawing support from Nietzsche and Foucault, Connolly argues that the Augustinian Imperative contains unethical implications: its carriers too often convert living signs that threaten their ontological self-confidence into modes of otherness to be condemned, punished, or converted in order to restore that confidence. With a lucidity and rhetorical power that makes it readily accessible, The Augustinian Imperative examines Augustine's enactment of the Imperative, explores alternative ethico-political orientations, and subsequently reveals much about the politics of morality in the modern age. Read more... An entirely new interpretation of one of the most seminal and widely read figures in the history of political thought, The Augustinian Imperative is also 'an archaeological investigation into the intellectual foundation of liberal societies.' Drawing support from Nietzsche and Foucault, Connolly argues that the Augustinian Imperative contains unethical implications: its carriers too often convert living signs that threaten their ontological self-confidence into modes of otherness to be condemned, punished, or converted in order to restore that confidence. With a lucidity and rhetorical power that makes it readily accessible, The Augustinian Imperative examines Augustine's enactment of the Imperative, explores alternative ethico-political orientations, and subsequently reveals much about the politics of morality in the modern age. Contents 5 Series Editor's Introduction 7 Preface to the New Edition 17 Preface 27 1. Voices From the Whirlwind 35 2. Confessing the Moral God 68 3. Gentle Wars of Identity\Difference 97 4. The Genesis of Being 125 5. Beyond the Moral Imperative 165 Index 199 About the Author 202 The,Augustinian,Imperative "The Augustinian Imperative" is "an archaeological investigation into the intellectual foundation of liberal societies." Drawing support from Nietzsche and Foucault, Connolly argues that the Imperative of Augustine contains unethical implications. Series Editor's Introduction / Morton Schoolman -- 1. Voices From the Whirlwind -- 2. Confessing the Moral God -- 3. Gentle Wars of Identity/Difference -- 4. The Genesis of Being -- 5. Beyond the Moral Imperative.