An Introduction to Political Thought emphasizes a dual approach to political theory by providing a chronological overview of both major figures and texts as well as an understanding of the development of key concepts and themes. In this way the authors provide a basic sense of the history and development of political thought and a critical grasp of the theoretical and philosophical issues at the heart of politics. Beginning with the idea that laws and constitutions are only beneficial insofar as they give effective expression to our moral and political beliefs, the authors argue that moral and political ideas are the foundations of politics. Political philosophers covered in depth include: Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Bentham, Rawls, and Burke. Key concepts such as the moral order, liberty, human nature, freedom, the social contract, distributive justice, liberalism, socialism, feminism, human rights, and multiculturalism are also all covered. In exploring these issues the authors offer a critical guide through key arguments in the history of political thought and contemporary political theory.
Peri Roberts is a lecturer in political theory at Cardiff University. Peter Sutch is a lecturer in political theory and international relations at Cardiff University and is the author of Ethics, Justice and International Relations.
Table of Contents Acknowledgements Introduction: The Nature of Political Thought/Conceptual Tools for Everyday Living Section I: Classical Origins of Political Thought 1. Plato: Is There a Universal Moral Order? 2. Aristotle: Is Politics Natural? Section II: Modern Developments in Political Thought 3. Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau: Liberty and Human Nature; What is Freedom? 4. Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau II: The Social Contract and the Artificiality of the State 5. Owen and Marx: Socialism and the Artificiality of Man Section III: Contemporary Understandings of Political Thought 6. Bentham, Utilitarianism and Rights: How Do We Take People Seriously? 7. Rawls, Cohen, Nozick and Walzer: Distributive Justice 8. Rawls II, Kymlicka and Parekh: Liberalism and the Challenge of Multiculturalism Section IV: Challenges to Universalism and Foundationalism 9. Burke and Oakeshott: Conservatism--Reason vs. Tradition 10. Feminism and Antifoundationalism: What's Wrong with Universal Justice? Afterword: Current Engagements in Political Thought Index
"Illustrates the authors' obvious knowledge of a wide range of political thought, from the ancient to the contemporary." -Iain Mackenzie,author of Political Ideologies "Both of the authors bring great depth of knowledge in the history of political thought to the writing of this book." -Rex Martin,author of A System of Rights
