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The Open Society and Its Enemies

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( 2,584 ratings, 267 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl R. Popper critically examines the philosophical underpinnings of totalitarianism through an analysis of historical figures like Plato, Hegel, and Marx. Popper argues in favour of an open and democratic society, where individual freedom is paramount, critiquing closed systems of governance that suppress freedom and promote authoritarian rule. The book is a pivotal piece in defending liberal democracy against totalitarian ideologies.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in exploring the defence of democracy against totalitarianism. It delves into philosophical critiques of historic figures and provides a compelling argument for open, critical societies. Ideal for those passionate about the intersection of philosophy and social sciences.

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A landmark defense of democracy that has been hailed as one of the most important books of the twentieth century

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A landmark defence of democracy that has been hailed as one of the most important books of the twentieth century

One of the most important books of the twentieth century, The Open Society and Its Enemies is an uncompromising defence of liberal democracy and a powerful attack on the intellectual origins of totalitarianism. An immediate sensation when it was first published, Karl Popper's monumental achievement has attained legendary status on both the Left and Right. Tracing the roots of an authoritarian tradition represented by Plato, Marx, and Hegel, Popper argues that the spirit of free, critical inquiry that governs scientific investigation should also apply to politics.

In a new foreword, George Soros, who was a student of Popper, describes the 'revelation' of first reading the book and how it helped inspire his philanthropic Open Society Foundations.

'One of the great books of the century.' - The Times

'Learned, subtly argued, and passionately written.' - Sidney Hook, New York Times

'Brilliant...It remains the best intellectual defence of liberal democracy.' - The Economist

Series: Princeton Classics

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  • The Open Society and Its Enemies
    A landmark defence of democracy that has been hailed as one of the most important books of the twentieth century One of the most important books of the twentieth century, The Open Society and Its Enemies is an uncompromising defence of liberal democracy and a powerful attack on the intellectual origins of totalitarianism. An immediate sensation when it was first...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl R. Popper is highly regarded in philosophical discussions for its criticism of totalitarianism and advocacy for liberal democracy. Reviewers praise its in-depth analysis of the philosophical roots of political systems, though some note its arguments can be dense and complex. Popper's critique of figures like Plato, Hegel, and Marx is seen as both groundbreaking and controversial, offering compelling insights into the defence of a more open and progressive society.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691210841

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 September 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 808

About the Author

Karl Popper (19021994) was a professor at the London School of Economics and one of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century.

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