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This work is devoted to a critical analytical examination of the history, character, and conduct of contemporary academic political theory and to a reconsideration of significant elements of this field of inquiry from the perspective of the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein.

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In Search of Political Theory Social Scientific Inquiry and the Metapractical Voice Fear of Conventions Engaging Wittgenstein Social Science and Justice Interpretation and the Autonomy of Concepts Political Theory and the American Scholar

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"Erudite and eloquent, engaging fundamental issues in the field in a style that is both accessible and profound, this book demonstrates the continued importance of John G. Gunnell´s line of inquiry concerning the purpose and practice of theory as a subfield in political science. Gunnell´s dissenting perspective is much needed. This book will be widely read for its significant contributions to understanding the purpose and practice of political theory today." - Sanford Schram, Bryn Mawr College

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JOHN G. GUNNEL Distinguished Professor Emeritus of State University of New York at Albany, USA, and currently Visiting Affiliate and Research Associate in the Department of Political Science at the University of California at Davis.

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