Political Philosophy
An Introduction

This book is a clear and thorough introduction to the origin, nature and course of political philosophy.

Richard G. Stevens (Author)

9780521169011, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 October 2010

342 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.46 kg

"....the book is pitched at such a high level that even graduate students and faculty are likely to learn from it.... Stevens's scholarship is heavily influenced by the work of Leo Strauss.... Highly Recommended...."
– D. Schaefer, College of the Holy Cross, CHOICE

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]