The inevitability of political metaphysics

Abstract

The purpose here is to examine the nature and extent of the metaphysical element in normative political theory, the central contention being that all such theory is a kind of metaphysics. It will be suggested first of all that, despite appearances, the crucial metaphysical element underpinning both theological and rationalist theories is in fact the same. Secondly it will be argued that the normally assumed distinction between metaphysical foundations and the non‐metaphysical theory that rests upon it is unsustainable, and that the metaphysical element pervades the whole of such theories. The main thinkers discussed are Marx and Rawls. Thirdly it will be argued that the distinction between ‘ideological’ and ‘philosophical’ theories is a largely spurious one and that a unifying notion of political metaphysics could replace both. Finally, it will be argued that since normative thought is inescapable in modern politics, then so too is political metaphysics.