A Comprehensive Introduction To Political Thought

A Comprehensive Introduction to Political Thought: Western and Non-Western Traditions familiarizes students with global political theories and perspectives. The book addresses Western and non-Western traditions of political thought, including a traditional emphasis on modern ideology such as liberal democracy. It also includes diverse traditions such as Confucianism in modern China, feminist political thought, and pan-African political thought. This book demonstrates how political theories have emerged from evolving conditions and historical circumstances that continue to influence modern politics. Dedicated chapters explore the ideological principles of conservatism, liberalism, liberal democracy, Marxism, and social democracy. Additional chapters examine the political thought of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, ancient Roman republicanism, feudalism, Indigenous political thought, Machiavelli, modern republicanism, and the range of ideas that have defined the general science of politics. Students read about the origins of ideology, the political ideals of the Enlightenment, the emergence of democratic norms, and utilitarian methods, plus principles that have contributed to the introduction of socialism, populism, modernism, progressivism, postmodernism, and other critical ideas that influence politics today. Developed to provide students with a diverse, expansive overview, A Comprehensive Introduction to Political Thought is an exemplary resource for courses and programs in political science and the overall study of politics, public policy, and government.

A Comprehensive Introduction to Political Thought: Western and Non-Western Traditions familiarizes students with global political theories and perspectives. The book addresses Western and non-Western traditions of political thought, including a traditional emphasis on modern ideology such as liberal democracy. It also includes diverse traditions such as Confucianism in modern China, feminist political thought, and pan-African political thought. This book demonstrates how political theories have emerged from evolving conditions and historical circumstances that continue to influence modern politics. Dedicated chapters explore the ideological principles of conservatism, liberalism, liberal democracy, Marxism, and social democracy. Additional chapters examine the political thought of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, ancient Roman republicanism, feudalism, Indigenous political thought, Machiavelli, modern republicanism, and the range of ideas that have defined the general science of politics. Students read about the origins of ideology, the political ideals of the Enlightenment, the emergence of democratic norms, and utilitarian methods, plus principles that have contributed to the introduction of socialism, populism, modernism, progressivism, postmodernism, and other critical ideas that influence politics today. Developed to provide students with a diverse, expansive overview, A Comprehensive Introduction to Political Thought is an exemplary resource for courses and programs in political science and the overall study of politics, public policy, and government.

This student textbook introduces the concept of political theory from various viewpoints, such as justice and the law, government and the state, and equality and human rights. It analyzes the concepts of power, liberty and a series of political principles.

"This book provides an engaging and intellectually challenging introduction to political ideologies, while at the same time giving an accessible route into the subject for those new to politics. Supported by an outstanding companion website, it has strong claims to be the best undergraduate textbook on ideologies on the market." Dr. Mike Gough, University of East Anglia Introduction to Political Theory is a text for the 21st century. It shows students why an understanding of theory is crucial to an understanding of issues and events in a rapidly shifting global political landscape. Bringing together classic and contemporary political concepts and ideologies into one book, this new text introduces the major approaches to political issues that have shaped the modern world, and the ideas that form the currency of political debate. Introduction to Political Theory relates political ideas to political realities through effective use of examples and cases studies making theory lively, contentious and relevant. This thoroughly revised and updated second edition contains new chapters on global justice and political violence, as well as an expanded treatment of globalisation and the state. A wide range of pedagogical features helps to clarify, extend and apply students’ understanding of the fundamental ideologies and concepts. This is comprised of: · Case studies demonstrate how political ideas, concepts and issues manifest in the real world · ‘Focus' boxes encourage students to appreciate alternative viewpoints · A range of thought provoking photographs challenge students to examine concepts from a different angle · Suggestions for further reading and weblinks are also provided to help students to further their understanding Introduction to Political Theory is accompanied by an innovative website with multiple choice questions, biographies of key figures in political theory, further case studies and an innovative ‘how to read’ feature which helps students get to grips with difficult primary texts.

History of Political Theory: An Introduction is an engaging introduction to the main figures in the history of Western Political Theory and their most important works. The second volume traces the origin and development of liberal political theory, and so the foundations for contemporary views.

Providing a comprehensive introduction to political philosophy, this book offers a broad-ranging discussion, challenging readers to think critically about political arguments and institutions that they might otherwise take for granted. It will be a provocative text for any student of philosophy or political science.

Human beings live together in societies which, by their very nature, give rise to institutions governing the behavior and freedom of individuals. This raises important questions about how these institutions ought to function, and the extent to which actual systems of government succeed or fail in meeting these ideals. This Oxford Reader contains 140 key writings on political thought, covering issues about human nature and its relation to society, the extent to which the powers of the State are justified, the tension between liberty and rights, and the way resources should be distributed. Topics such as international relations, minority rights, democracy, socialism, and conservatism are also discussed by contributors ranging from Plato and Aristotle to Foucault, Isaiah Berlin, and Martin Luther King.