On the History of Political Philosophy
Subtitle: Great Political Thinkers from Thucydides to Locke
Publisher: Pearson
Published: 2012
Place of publication: USA
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Description: On the History of Political Philosophy: Great Political Thinkers from Thucydides to Locke is a lively and lucid account of the major political theorists and philosophers of the ancient Greek, Roman, medieval, renaissance, and early modern periods. The author demonstrates the continuing significance of some political debates and problems that originated in the history of political philosophy. Topics include discussions concerning human nature, different views of justice, the origin of government and law, the rise and development of different forms of government, idealism and realism in international relations, the distinction between just and unjust war, and the sources of public authority and the nature of legitimate sovereignty. The organizing principle of the book is the idea that the great political thinkers were searching for the best political order and a criterion for human conduct in both domestic and international politics. The book presupposes no previous knowledge of political philosophy. It will therefore be a valuable introductory book for students of philosophy, politics, and international relations. As it opens eyes to the perceptions that historical knowledge may convey, it will also be an illuminating and engaging reading for a general reader.
Table of contents: title: Preface ix; title: Introduction xi; title: CHAPTER 1 Thucydides: War and the Polis 1; title: CHAPTER 2 Plato: Who Should Rule? 16; title: CHAPTER 3 Aristotle: The Best Constitution 34; title: CHAPTER 4 Cicero: The Idea of the Republic 55; title: CHAPTER 5 St. Augustine: The City of God 75; title: CHAPTER 6 St. Thomas: Faith and Social Solidarity 91; title: CHAPTER 7 Machiavelli: How to Rule? 115; title: CHAPTER 8 Grotius: International Society 140; title: CHAPTER 9 Hobbes: The Beginning of Modernity 158; title: CHAPTER 10 Locke: Liberty and Property 184; title: EPILOGUE The Classics and the Moderns 215; title: The Great Debate 223; title: Works Cited 225; title: Glossary 232; title: Index 241