In 1918, Emmy Noether published a (now famous) theorem establishing a general connection between continuous 'global' symmetries and conserved quantities. In fact, Noether's paper contains two theorems, and the second of these deals with 'local' symmetries; prima facie, this second theorem has nothing to do with conserved quantities. In the same year, Hermann Weyl independently made the first attempt to derive conservation of electric charge from a postulated gauge symmetry. In the light of Noether's work, it is puzzling that Weyl's (...) argument uses local gauge symmetry. This paper explores the relationships between Weyl's work, Noether's two theorems, and the modern connection between gauge symmetry and conservation of electric charge. This includes showing that Weyl's connection is essentially an application of Noether's second theorem, with a novel twist. (shrink)

An attempt by one of the leading political scientists to "extricate from the total political reality those aspects that can be considered the fundamental processes or activities without which no political life in society could continue." The conceptual framework for a "more complex structure of a theory" is developed around the concepts of demand, support, stress, and input-output. Easton explicitly rejects the discussion of political theory in terms of what he calls political philosophy, but the work is nevertheless of interest (...) to philosophers who have the stamina and interest to wade through a long and over-drawn discussion of the nature of political life.—K. A. M. (shrink)

A comprehensive review of Marxism and its development by Engels, Lenin, and contemporary Soviet philosophers. Two sections of equal length deal with "Marxism as a Philosophy" and "Marxism as a Theory of History." The results of recent scholarship done in many parts of the world are presented in a systematic account of Marx and his relationship to Engels, Lenin and others. In post-Marxian philosophy, major emphasis is placed on the "classical" dialectical materialism, but other types of Marxism are considered as (...) well. Extensive notes and an excellent annotated bibliography are included. This volume will be of use both as a text book and as a resource to those who are interested in Marx or Marxism-Leninism.—K. A. M. (shrink)

A new translation of five dialogues of Bruno translated in 1950 by Sidney Greenberg in The Infinite in Giordano Bruno under the title "Concerning the Cause, Principle and One." A rather superficial introduction fails to substantiate the claim that the "materialistic dialectic" is the core of Bruno. It is not clear why a new translation is needed, except for the fact that Greenberg's book is unfortunately out of print.—K. A. M.

A scholarly account of an important and previously uninvestigated aspect of Bruno's philosophy. Yates sets out in the historian's careful way to show that "Bruno's philosophy and his religion are one and the same, and both are Hermetic." A treatment of the development of the Hermetic tradition from Ficino and Pico allows the author to show that "the philosophy of the infinite universe and the innumerable worlds... is not... scientific thinking" but a continuation of the tradition which was mistakenly thought (...) to stem from an ancient Egyptian magical religion. Although this is definitely the work of an historian, any philosopher interested in the beginnings of modern science or in Renaissance thought will find it a valuable aid and contribution.—K. A. M. (shrink)

A thorough historical account of the unsuccessful attempt by the Philosophic Radicals to establish an independent political party in the 1830's. Although definitely an historical, rather than a philosophical treatment of the early followers of John Mill, it does give a great deal of detailed information on a relatively unknown and unsuccessful period of J. S. Mill's life—K. A. M.

Although Ash does put the Marxist position in language familiar to the English reader, both Marxism and moral concepts are not treated in depth. Marxism is primarily a theory which holds values are based in a direct way on economic relations. Recent advances in Marx scholarship or discussions with the Marxist movement are ignored as the attack is focused on the capitalist order.—K. A. M.

Greenleaf combines solid historical scholarship with philosophical understanding in this useful and detailed study of political thought in 16th and 17th century England. The first half of the book reconstructs the position of the royalists and argues that the philosophical defense of absolute monarchy is much stronger than Locke would lead us to believe in his attack on Filmer. After a chapter on Bodin the empiricists are discussed as the forerunners of empirical and historical study of politics. The concluding chapter (...) summarizes the discussion and establishes the background for Locke's political writings.—K. A. M. (shrink)

A series of lectures on the problems of eternal peace, the nature of democracy, the role of education, and the philosophical and political background of the first amendment. Through the discussions, the question of the role of political theory is raised.—K. A. M.

The author of Rasse, Volk, Kultur and editor of Das Deutsche in der deutschen Philosophie offers his opinions on a wide range of topics. The essence, kinds and limits of knowledge of the natural and the human sciences, and of philosophy are all "discussed" in a hundred pages. Attacks are made on pragmatism, Darwinism, atomism and behaviorism.--K. A. M.

A first attempt to give the essential characteristics of politics and the political order in the context of the most important elements of Heidegger's thought. This well-documented, systematic interpretation of Heidegger's political thought shows that his philosophical principles led to the affirmation of the first four years of national socialism and the authoritarian "Führerstaat." Unfortunately, the discussion is carried on almost entirely in Heidegger's terminology. A useful bibliography and table of Heidegger's works are included—K. A. M.

Sixteen authors ranging from Plato to Gandhi are used to provide a "comprehensive source book in the area of social and political philosophy." About forty pages of texts are provided from each author, but many of the selections have been edited extensively. Although there are no selections from the period between Aristotle and Machiavelli, more recent figures, such as Thoreau, Engels, Mussolini and Hitler are included.--K. A. M.

A practical book for teaching beginning speech is attached to a confusing essay in which rhetoric is said to be the means by which "Man the Talker" can overcome the "crisis in values." Lasswell's analysis of values is said to form the basis of this text book, but what relation the essay on values has to the practical speech book is not made clear.—K. A. M.

Stewart presents a very useful and worthwhile exposition of a part of Hume's philosophy which is often overlooked. Even if one does not share the author's view that Hume "was primarily a political and moral theorist," a reading of this work will show that Hume has much of interest of say in the area. Of particular service is the concise presentation of the more relevant parts of Hume's eight volume History of England. Stewart is a practicing politician and his book (...) clearly demonstrates that a great philosopher such as Hume affords access from many directions, and that philosophic understanding can be enriched by contributions from many sources.—K. A. M. (shrink)

An enjoyable and well-written discussion of the change in the conception of politics from David Hume through Jeremy Bentham, and John Stuart Mill to Beatrice Webb. The longest, most interesting, and most useful section is on Hume, who expresses the dominant view of the eighteenth century that "man is a balanced whole whose object is to live decently and enjoyably." The discussion of Hume is the background for a less favorable consideration of Bentham, Mill, and Webb and although the latter (...) half of the book fails to match the first half in depth and interest, it remains a work which can be recommended and read with joy.—K. A. M. (shrink)

A collection of articles in English, German and French by fourteen Hungarian authors. Of particular interest and value is "Über die erkenntnistheoretischen Ansichten des jungen Marx" by György Markus. Although the footnotes are full of criticisms of the "revisionists", the early Marx is taken seriously as a philosophical thinker in his own right, and an effort is made to lay out what might be a theory of knowledge for this early Marx. Other articles of interest are by Edit Rózsahegyi, "The (...) Place and Role of Purpose in the Process of Cognition" and a criticism of Heisenberg by A. Szabó. On the whole, the articles are genuinely philosophical and deserve attention, although long, boring and dogmatic pieces such as "Objective Contradiction" by G. Tamás, and "Communism and Conditions for the Development of Personality" by A. Wirth are also present.--K. A. M. (shrink)