Rationalism in Politics and Other Essays

This book, written by Michael Oakeshott, critiques ideological schemes to reform society based on supposedly 'scientific' or rationalistic principles.

Oakeshott argues that such rationalism ignores the wealth and variety of human experience and can lead to disastrous results.

He emphasizes that politics is a complex and unpredictable activity shaped by culture, history, and tradition, rather than reducible to rational principles or technical solutions.

The essays cover topics such as the nature of political philosophy, the limits of rationalism, and the role of tradition in political life.