This is a critical introduction to Raymond Aron's conception of political science, based on a careful study of one of his central statements, "The Dawn of Universal History", with collateral reference to most of his other major works, and with a clear account of his unfolding thought. Mahoney discusses Aron's relationship to such political and social thinkers as Aristotle, Tocqueville, Marx, Strauss and Von Hayek. He shows how Aron represented in a lively and vigorous way a tradition of political prudence increasingly under theoretical and practical assault. Mahoney argues that Aron's notion of political science is superior to today's reigning social science in scope, rigour and availability to practical political leaders and citizens.

"The finest philosophical treatise on the political science of Raymond Aron available." - The New England Reviews Of Books

"This is an extremely well-written book and . . . gives an exceptionally full and contextual picture of Aron's intellectual project." - The Review of Politics

". . . comprehensive and balanced, deeply reflective and sharply focused . . . Mahoney's study of Aron's thought is important . . ." - Crisis

"Daniel J. Mahoney's brief, lucid and highly stimulating treatment will no doubt help generate enthusiasm for Aron's writings and build up his stature in the English-speaking world." - First Things

"Anyone seeking a clear and accurate introduction to Aron's vast oeuvre would be well advised to read Mahoney's concise and extremely sympathetic overview." - Ethics: An International Journal of Social, Political, and Legal Philosophy

"...a brilliant analysis...deserves a wide audience....Mahoney's prose is strong and crisp....As Aron's texts always remained 'exciting' for Daniel Mahoney, so does Mahoney's study remain for the reader." - Interpretation

"A timely, serious and perceptive study of one of the most important thinkers of this century . . ." - Stanley Hoffmann