C.B. Macpherson occupies an ambiguous place in contemporary political thought. Though his work is well known, it remains on the margins of current democratic theory. That marginalization, Phillip Hansen argues, comes from our failure to appreciate the underlying philosophical dimension of Macpherson’s work.

Identifying and exploring Macpherson’s systematic critique of the liberal claim that the individual is the “proprietor of his own person or capacities, owing nothing to society for them,” Reconsidering C.B. Macpherson highlights his affinities to Herbert Marcuse, Max Horkheimer, and the Frankfurt School.

This stimulating reappraisal illustrates the importance of Macpherson’s classic books, including The Political Theory of Possessive Individualism and Democratic Theory, and demonstrates how much his work has to offer to the future of political and social thought.

Phillip Hansen is professor emeritus in the Department of Philosophy and Classics at the University of Regina. He is the author of Reconsidering C.B. MacPherson: From Possessive Individualism to Democratic Theory and Beyond (UTP)

Phillip Hansen's profile page

• Short-listed, Arts Award for Scholarly Writing awarded by the Saskatchewan Book Awards
• Short-listed, C.B. Macpherson Prize from the Canadian Political Science Association.

‘Under Hansen’s skillful interpretative guidance, the reader is reintroduced to a thinker who confounds many of the stereotypes of Cold War-era Marxist theory…His remarkable achievement is to bring to life C.B. Macpherson’s thought and enduring legacy, his complex blend of traditional and critical philosophy.’

Perspectives on Political Science March 2017

‘Magnificent study of C.B. Macpherson’s political thought… Well researched, splendidly written book.’

American Political Thought Spring 2017

‘The book serves as an excellent introduction for the more sophisticated student of political philosophy who is new to Macpherson… In effect, this book is a series of interesting meditations on Macpherson’s thought arguing for his continued importance.’

Marx and Philosophy Review of Books April 2016