What the study found
The article argues that Karl Popper's political thought bears a strong resemblance to the Italo-Atlantic branch of republicanism, associated by Philip Pettit and Quentin Skinner. The author suggests Popper can be read as close to a civic republican, especially in Pettit's sense.
Why the authors say this matters
The study suggests that viewing Popper through a republican lens reveals a robust and coherent theory behind his attack on the "enemies of the open society." The authors conclude that this reading helps clarify the political thought already present in Popper's work.
What the researchers tested
The article compares Popper's political ideas with themes in republican theory. It focuses on freedom understood as nondomination, the role of the state and the rule of law, and democracy.
What worked and what didn't
The author argues that Popper's ideas show a remarkable resemblance to the Italo-Atlantic branch of republicanism. The article also notes that Jeremy Shearmur had suggested in passing that Popper might be classified as a republican, but the present study claims to examine these similarities in detail.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe empirical testing or data. It also does not present objections, counterarguments, or detailed limitations in the available summary.
Key points
- The article argues that Karl Popper's political thought resembles the Italo-Atlantic branch of republicanism.
- It links Popper especially to the idea of freedom as nondomination, a term explained by Pettit and Skinner's republican theory.
- The paper focuses on Popper's views of the state, the rule of law, and democracy.
- The author says this reading shows a coherent theory behind Popper's attack on the "enemies of the open society."
- The article claims to be the first to examine these similarities in detail.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- The article argues Popper resembles civic republicanism
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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