Following an introductory chapter exploring why political argument deals in probability and plausibility across interdependent areas of social activity not certainty in individual areas, this book offers a case for independence under six main headings – the democratic case, the economic case, the social case, the international case, the cultural case and the environmental case. Under each heading, the case is assessed against both the supportive evidence and the hostile evidence, from a variety of sources, concluding with a judgement of where the balance of the evidence points. The book concludes with a selection of populist objections to independence answered by summary rebuttals from the independence file.
Table of Contents:
Preface by Owen Dudley Edwards
Acknowledgements
Introduction
THE CASE FOR SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE
Ways of Arguing
The Democratic Case
The Economic Case
The Social Case
The International Case
The Cultural Case
The Environmental Case
‘Aye, but…’
Select Bibliography
List of Acronyms
About the Author :
STEPHEN MAXWELL was active in the debate on Scotland’s political future for four decades. A native of Edinburgh, he studied at the universities of Cambridge and the London School of Economics before teaching and researching in international politics at the
universities of Sussex and Edinburgh and at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London. He was the SNP’s national press officer between 1973 and 1977 and subsequently a Lothian Regional Councillor and director of the SNP’s campaign for a Yes vote in the 1979 Scottish Assembly referendum. Until October 2009 he was Associate Director of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.
Review :
Stephen Maxwell has a positive, left-wing case for independence. SCOTTISH LEFT REVIEW
Maxwell was an intellectual, a thinker, a writer, a civic activist, and a dedicated servant of Scotland’s voluntary sector. Joyce McMillan, THE SCOTSMAN
Maxwell has done his homework assiduously. The key historical, social science and political sources on the subject have been marshalled with skill and to good effect...The author writes in coherent and lucid prose so even complex economic arguments can be reaily understood and absorbed. SUNDAY HERALD
This is a book of profound thought, intelligence and wit. To my mind it is the best book on the need for Scottish Independence and it certainly should be read and cherished by all of us who hope to contribute to the campaign. Stephen stimulated many of us for years, but this is his final and most powerful work. As Owen Dudley Edwards says in his Preface: “This book lifts the entire debate on Scottish independence to a new intellectual level. PAUL HENDERSON SCOTT
By offering an assessment for the case for independence across all of its dimensions, Arguing for Independence fills a long-standing gap in Scotland’s political bookshelf as we enter a new and critical phase in the debate on Scotland’s political future. SCOTTISH REVIEW OF BOOKS
Maxwell’s is a volume of great utility and importance. SCOTTISH REVIEW OF BOOKS
There are many intriguing insights in the book, and many presentations of material which has been gathered together for the first time in a comprehensive manner. SCOTTISH REVIEW OF BOOKS
Every young person in Scotland should read for themselves how Stephen defines and analyses the state we’re in (pun entirely intended) before intentions are firmed up towards the Independence Referendum. MARGO MACDONALD
It is a wonderful book… and it’s a great legacy for him to have left Scotland at this time. ELAINE C. SMITH
It stands as a fine contribution by a fine man. ALEX SALMOND, THE WEEK
