This thesis aims to elaborate a plausible conception of self-realization and defend the claims that: {a} the concept in general is a valid concern of modern political theory; {b} the conception it proposes provides an ideal which can play a workable and desirable role in shaping the structure of modern political institutions and the content of specific policies. I begin by examining the conceptual definition of "modern" thought, proposing to explore how "self-realization" may be conceived in a way which respects the terms of this definition. I justify the separate existence of my proposed theory by showing that its conception of self-realization is clearly distinct from, but compatible with, autonomy and that its consequences for political practice are also interestingly different from policies promoting autonomy alone. The relevance of this is justified by a general defence of perfectionism in politics. I develop the theory by examination of conceptions of self-realization in the political thought of Aristotle, John Stuart Mill and Karl Marx. The structure, underlying assumptions and political import of each is considered in order to understand how selfrealizationist theories work and to see what, if anything, from these thinkers remains pertinent. My ("general") theory of self-realization is built from a critique of the Marxist concept of communism. The final chapter consolidates these foundations, constructing the "general conception" with some of the critically-tested ideas from earlier chapters. A new way of conceptualizing the self for the purposes of political theory is offered, justifying this melding of ideas from disparate traditions into one conception. Possible policy consequences of the latter are summarized, drawing heavily on the conclusions of the author-based chapters. The study concludes by presenting an argument which might be offered for the claim that this new conception of self-realization is worth promoting through political action.

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2001. Graduate Programme in Interdisciplinary Studies. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 140-142). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pMQ66372.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Thesis (doctoral)--Technische Hochschule, Aachen, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [389]-441).

This is a study of Nietzsche's thought which focuses upon his account of self-hood, his ambition to bring about a 'revaluation of all values', and the structure and strategies of his texts. The introductory chapter raises a series of questions about the relationship between representations of the self, self-transformation and the problem of truth in Nietzsche's writings. I discuss the force and implications of Nietzschean 'truthfulness'. Chapter One is an exploration of Nietzsche's account of modern subjectivity. The point I seek to establish here is that there are important continuities between asceticism and Nietzsche's own thought about the self. I also discuss Nietzsche's 'perspectivism', treating it as arising out of modem self-consciousness about the contingency of our identities, and argue that Nietzsche translates that sense of contingency into a sceptical treatment of the conditions of self-knowledge. Chapter Two examines Nietzsche's sceptical treatment of the conditions under which we claim 'knowledge' in the light of his reception of Schopenhauer's and Kant's philosophies. I discuss a reading of Nietzsche's perspectivism which suggests that it expresses an epistemic caution which nonetheless permits us to suppose that we can legitimately speak of our access to 'truths' about the empirical world. I argue that this is too narrow a view of the role played in Nietzsche's thought by the appeal to 'truth' and that we need to take account of the wider rhetorical and aesthetic context within which such appeals are made. The significance of this discussion lies in the question of how we are to characterize Nietzsche sense of our relationship to 'reality', and hence the character of his 'realism'. Chapter Three explores the poetic aspects of Nietzsche's characterization of a life which would embody the principles of a tragic vision. The relationship between art and truth in Nietzsche's thought is discussed. The concluding remarks consider the status of a text which aims to transfigure our understanding of ourselves at a fundamental level.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pennsylvania State University, 2008. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. Thesis advisor: Garry Chick.