60. Theories of Global Governance: A Study in the History of Ideas

Abstract global theories are built upon the assumption that the creation of a world community is reducible to a simple choice between the existing international arrangements and an ideal universal order held together in some predetermined structure. The inhuman quality of such speculation is revealed by the way that they terminate in imperatives addressed to the will. They leave no room for any further concrete reflection on the essentials of a good common life. They fail to see that the future good of the world will depend upon a more concrete understanding of the power and range of human reason. By concentrating upon the immanent development of consciousness, pure thought assumes that nothing further is to be discovered because all has already been conceived. Thus it misses the meanings which can be discovered outside the self within the working of experience. The author of this book, Cornelius F. Murphy, Jr., professor of international law, explores how theorists have reflected upon the necessary components of an effective global order.
_ (This article is also available in Chinese.)