Like all aspects of human experience, political philosophy is conditioned by environment and by the scope and limitations of mind, and the answers given by successive political philosophers to perennial problems reflect the knowledge and the assumptions of their times. Abstract Contemporary Political Philosophy has been revised to include many of the most significant developments in Anglo-American political philosophy in the last eleven years, particularly the new debates on political liberalism, deliberative democracy, civic republicanism, nationalism, and cultural pluralism. Written in a manner easy to read. Three broad themes that are central to understanding political life are focused upon: the polis experience (Plato, Aristotle), the sovereign state (Machiavelli, Hobbes), constitutional government (Locke), and democracy (Rousseau, Tocqueville). I especially liked how each chapter was about a different fundamental question in political philosophy. Questions concerning the aims of government, the grounds of political obligation, the rights of individuals against the state, the basis of sovereignty, the relation of executive to legislative power, and the nature of political liberty and social justice have been asked and answered in many ways over the centuries. Very good introduction in the topic, for those without background in political science and even philosophy, like me. The scope for political philosophy is thus great, the clarification of its purpose and limitations urgent—an aspect, indeed, of civilization’s survival. Which ask, challenge, evaluate fundamental questions of politics connect them with human nature, ethics, economic...etc . What justifies the state? I will continue my readings from the rich references provided. Wolff introduces the key points of political philosophy from Locke, Rousseau, Hobbes, and so on whilst also recognising the lack of conclusive answers within the discipline. The book avoids getting bogged down in the many side-questions that occur whilst reading it, such as whether one conclusive model of human nature can ever exist, to what extent happiness can ever be measured, and whether liberty, equality, and fraternity can ever be reconciled. RUNNING HEAD: Political Philosophy SUMMARY: CHAPTER 1 Political Philosophy: Introducing the Challenge This summary is based on Donald G. Tannenbaum’s book, Inventor of Ideas: An Introduction to Western Political Philosophy, Third Edition. Wolff earned his MPhil from UCL under the direction of G.A. Wolff did this well, except in the last chapter on feminism where I think the counterarguments are a bit too simplistic and some feminist claims are too hastily dismissed. How should property be justly distributed? Works fine as an introduction, but for the most part stays pretty firmly within the realm of liberalism, with the exception of some communitarianism, a bit of Marx, and Nozick's anarchism coming through. What would life be like without the state? Start by marking “An Introduction to Political Philosophy” as Want to Read: Error rating book. It may serve as a handbook rather than as a traditional essay. If nothing else, readers learn what important questions they should be asking. Not only was it really fascinating, and covered quite a number of people and ideas, it was well-written, paced and thought out. Besides this overwhelming Anglo-Saxon undertone, the books warrants its pages. Cohen. Jonathan Wolff looks at the works of Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Marx, and Rawls (among others), examining how the debates between philosophers have developed, and searching for possible answers to these provocative questions. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Omissions? This book examines the central problems involved in political philosophy and the past attempts to respond to these problems. an accessible introduction to political philosophy, The book provides a very good genetal introduction to some central debates at the core of political philosophy. The shortness does tell if it’s lack of coverage in certain areas of politics but again, it’s just an introduction. The central problem of political philosophy is how to deploy or limit public power so as to maintain the survival and enhance the quality of human life. The upside of this book is also its downside; it's relatively short. I have no problems with professors presenting their own arguments, as long as they do it to the extent that students are encouraged to think. I read the 2nd edition, though; the latest edition may have improved on this. The central problem of political philosophy is how to deploy or limit public power so as to maintain the survival and enhance the quality of human life. How much liberty should the citizen enjoy? The book provides a very good genetal introduction to some central debates at the core of political philosophy. Western political philosophy to the end of the 19th century, Western political philosophy from the start of the 20th century, https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-philosophy, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Political Philosophy, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Political Philosophy: Methodology. Updates? A concise, lucid and thought-provoking introduction to the most important questions of political philosophy, organised around the major issues. Despite this unique aspect of the contemporary situation, and although ancient political philosophies were formulated under very different conditions, their study still illuminates vital questions today. Political philosophy, as distinct from the study of political and administrative organization, is more theoretical and normative than descriptive. It also helps give reasons we need political philosophy and issues it helps us conceptulise. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). It provides a useful, accessible, and brief int. What justifies the state? How much liberty should the citizen enjoy? Which ask, challenge, evaluate fundamental questions of politics connect them with human nature, ethics, economic...etc . As a result, I now have more questions than answers, which I guess was the point of it all. They are all fundamental to political philosophy and demand answers in terms of modern knowledge and opinion. Author of. The political philosopher is thus not concerned so much, for example, with how pressure groups work or how, by various systems of voting, decisions are arrived at as with what the aims of the whole political process should be in the light of a particular philosophy of life. A while I went looking for a good introduction to political philosophy and eventually found Jonathan Wolff’s “An Introduction to Political Philosophy”, a clear and well-written book I definitely recommend reading.
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