Professor David Owen, University of Southampton 

On the Analytical/Continental Distinction in Political Philosophy 

Old Courtroom, 118 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UD 

In this paper I argue that while ‘analytic’ political philosophy focuses on reasons to justify ideals of justice, and legitimacy, ‘Continental’ political philosophy critically assesses these reasons and ideals. What interests me most is whether or not these ideals might be combined for a contemporary political theory interested in in both justification and critique.

The Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics was delighted to welcome Professor David Owen to the University of Brighton. Professor Owen is one of Britain's leading Political Theorists. He has published widely across three main research areas: Nietzsche and post-Kantian critical theory encompassing post-structuralism and the Frankfurt School); Problems of Political Community addressing issues of multiculturalism and migration; and Democratic Theory ranging from foundational to policy-relevant levels of analysis.