Books by Richard Schmitt

Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy: A Question Based Approach
Textbooks are usually lectures in book form. They convey information and ideas. But an Introductory Philosophy class should teach students how to think for themselves by asking questions and suggesting alternative answers and testing those answers. It should not provide ready made answers to the students. This text differs from the majority of other philosophy texts by taking this problem very seriously. It presents various controversies in social and political philosophy and then raises questions for the students. The text equips the students with all the relevant information about a particular idea or controversy and then leaves it to the students to consider questions. The text does not provide answers or "standard views." It leaves it to the students to answer the questions raised by the material presented. (Ropwman and Littlefield, 2009)

Towards a New Socialism
A selection of original essays by over 30 contributors reflecting about different aspects of socialism. Topics are, for instance, socialism and religion, prisons under socialism, socialism and sexuality. The book tries to initiate a discussion about the nature of socialism and raise very detailed questions about it. (Lexington Books, 2006)

Alienation and Freedom
In our society is it very difficult to make sense of one's life; individuals have a hard time telling a coherent story about their history and experience and are, therefore, alienated. This condition enfeebles their freedom. Free men and women require not only political and social rights but also the lively will to nurture and perfect free institutions. Lacking that will, the alienated are barely free. (Boulder: Westview, 2002)

Introduction to Marx and Engels: A Critical Reconstruction
The doctrines of Marx and Engels are written down in widely dispersed passages throughout their work. This books collects them into a coherent whole and provides explanations and critical appraisals. Second Edition. (Boulder: Westview, 1997)

Beyond Separateness: The Social Nature of Human Beings --Their Autonomy, Knowledge and Power.
The dominant view of human beings insists on their separateness from one another. Each is seen as owner of him or herself. This book recommends that we see ourselves, instead, as achieving our unique individuality in relations to many other persons. (Boulder: Westview Press, 1995)