On Common Interests

This book develops an original theory that grounds political principles and practices in common interests among citizens and residents of a country. This theory differs from most prevalent political philosophies in that they focus on common ideas which emphasize how we might think rather than how we actually live, or on competing or conflicting interests for the purpose of balancing or advancing one set of interests over another. On Common Interests offers principles, possible structures, and practices that enable government to help us advance the interests we share. As a political philosophy, it values cooperation and collaboration over conflict and competition.

John Ryder has been a professor of philosophy and a senior administrator at several universities in the United States and abroad. He is the author or editor of over one hundred publications, as well as a former president of the Alliance of Universities for Democracy, and co-founder of the Central European Pragmatist Forum.

Acknowledgements
Preface
Introduction
Part I: Preliminary Considerations and Background Conceptions
Chapter 1. The Failure of Political Philosophy
Chapter 2. The Varieties of Political Experience
Chapter 3. Practice Over Propositions
Chapter 4. Experience and Social Values
Part II: Political Principles, Common Interests, and the Polity
Chapter 5. Political Principles
Chapter 6. The Plurality and Diversity of Common Interests
Chapter 7. Common Interests and the Polity
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
About the Author