by PublicABCP
Translated and reviewed by Matheus Lucas Hebling
The book “Política, retórica e contingência“, by Eunice Ostrensky, professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of São Paulo (USP), offers a rich analysis of political thought from the 16th to the 18th centuries, exploring the complex relationship between rhetoric, political crises, and the actions of political theorists.
Ostrensky sets out to investigate the role of rhetorical discourse and political passions in modern political theory. Divided into eight chapters, the book discusses the work of prominent thinkers—from Machiavelli to Mary Wollstonecraft—offering a theoretical and historical reflection on political rupture and crisis. The author examines how political theorists employ rhetorical and affective strategies to interpret past and present events.
The book covers a broad range of topics. It addresses ambition and agrarian laws in Machiavelli, examines the Levellers’ conception of legitimate authority, and explores Mary Wollstonecraft’s egalitarianism. Each chapter contributes to a broader understanding of political crises, highlighting the diverse rhetorical strategies used by theorists to shape the perceptions and actions of their contemporaries.
Ostrensky argues that rhetoric is essential to politics, functioning as a tool of persuasion and embracing the inherent instability of political concepts. She contends that attempts to impose permanent norms of action often serve to depoliticise debate, and she underscores the importance of engaging with theoretical disputes in moments of crisis.
In Politics, Rhetoric, and Contingency, Eunice Ostrensky offers a valuable contribution to political theory, emphasising the relevance of rhetoric and political crises for understanding contemporary dynamics. The book explores how the discursive strategies of past theorists continue to resonate within today’s political landscape.
About the Author
Eunice Ostrensky holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of São Paulo (1993), as well as a Master’s (1997) and PhD (2002) in Philosophy from the same institution. She is an Associate Professor of Modern Political Theory in the Department of Political Science at the University of São Paulo.
Publication Details
Title: Política, retórica e contingência
Author: Eunice Ostrensky
Publisher: Alameda
Year of Publication: 2024
ISBN: 978-6559662449
Available from: Alameda Editorial
