The Viennese Socrates

The Viennese Socrates: Karl Popper and the Reconstruction of Progressive Politics examines Karl Poppers attempt to develop a political theory that draws upon Socratic fallibilism and commitment to ethical autonomy while preserving progressive sociological insights and commitment to activism. Philip Benesch argues that Poppers critique of Marxist theory is largely an endeavor to separate its progressive-activist core from its positivist and uncritical-rationalist entanglements. The author defends Popper against the charges of positivism and scientism leveled by the Frankfurt School, among others. Although he is in no sense an apologist for Poppers commentary on the classical tradition of philosophy, Benesch contends that Poppers philosophical contribution is of classical breadth and significance and that it continues and advances the great conversation that is the substance of the classical tradition.