As the logic of practical politics has rarely been the subject of study in general political so has the logic of practical diplomatic practices received scarce attention in philosophico-theoretical studies of international relations.
with the adven...
As the logic of practical politics has rarely been the subject of study in general political so has the logic of practical diplomatic practices received scarce attention in philosophico-theoretical studies of international relations.
with the advent of scientific study of politics, the long tradition of interest in prudence, which since Aristotle: through Machiavelli down to some philosophers of early 18th century continued to draw prime theoretical interest as to practical philosophy of politics, Las largely been left in oblivion.
A paradox ensuing from this situation is that the more one acquires scientific knowledge of politics the less perceptive he becomes of the complexity of political reality.
Prudence cannot find its place in either strict teleology or wholesome rationalism. Only when practical politics is grasped in terms of a dilemmatical human drama can the concept of prudence be comprehended with relative ease.
International relations seen from the realistic stand-point is perhaps the most dilemmatical realm of human life. The guide to tactical diplomacy is therefore more demanding than in any other realms of human existence.
Accordingly, an attempt is made here to restore the idea of prudence with emphasis on its philosophical dimensions and with special reference to international relations.