Political philosophy
Subtitle: an introduction
By: Richard G. Stevens
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2011
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 309
ISBN-13: 9781107000438; 9780521169011
Subjects: Philosophy; Political science
Description: "This book by Richard G. Stevens is a comprehensive introduction to the nature of political philosophy. It offers definitions of philosophy and politics, showing the tension between the two and the origin of political philosophy as a means of resolution of that tension. Plato and Aristotle are examined in order to see the search for the best political order. Inquiry is then made into political philosophy's new tension brought about by the growth of revealed religion in the Middle Ages. It then examines the changes introduced by modernity and gives an overview of postmodern political thought. The book covers the most influential philosophers and directs readers to the classics of political philosophy, guiding them in studying them. It is an approachable introduction to a complex subject, not just a history of it. It is a point of entry into the subject for students and for others as well"--
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Machine generated contents note: Part I. The Nature and Origin of Political Philosophy: 1. What philosophy is; 2. The origin of philosophy; 3. The nature of politics; 4. The origin of political philosophy; Part II. The Problem of Political Philosophy: 5. The best city; 6. Moderation; Part III. The Permutations of Political Philosophy: 7. Ancient and medieval political philosophy; 8. A kind of betrayal; 9. Modern political philosophy and post-modern thought; 10. Ancients and moderns; Epilogue.