The Viennese Socrates: Karl Popper and the Reconstruction of Progressive Politics examines Karl
Popper's attempt to develop a political theory that draws upon Socratic fallibilism and
commitment to ethical autonomy while preserving progressive sociological insights and
commitment to activism. Philip Benesch argues that Popper's critique of Marxist theory is
largely an endeavor to separate its progressive-activist core from its positivist and
uncritical-rationalist entanglements. The author defends Popper against the charges of
positivism and scientism leveled by the Frankfurt School among others. Although he is in no
sense an apologist for Popper's commentary on the classical tradition of philosophy Benesch
contends that Popper's philosophical contribution is of classical breadth and significance and
that it continues and advances «the great conversation» that is the substance of the classical
tradition.
