Product Review

Written simply and directly but without sacrificing intellectual depth this widely acclaimed text explores the preeminent theorists of Western political thought from the pre-Socratics to the contemporary era. The author provides an in-depth analysis of a limited number of major thinkers, which allows for a richly detailed examination of each philosopher in historical context. Western Political Thought, Second Edition, presents the fundamental terms, ideas, and dilemmas of Western political philosophy in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner. It organizes the theorists historically, explains basic concepts in depth, and draws out and analyzes the implications of various political theories. Moreover, this cohesive volume employs an overarching theme, examining each thinker in terms of the changing relationships of ethics and politics in Western political philosophy.

Table of Contents:

Introduction I: CLASSICAL AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THEORY 1. Socrates 2. Plato 3. Aristotle 4. Cicero 5. St. Augustine 6. St. Thomas Aquinas II: MODERN POLITICAL THEORY 7. Machiavelli 8. Hobbes 9. Locke 10. Rousseau III: CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY 11. Conservatism 12. Classical Liberalism 13. Modern Liberalism 14. Marxism 15. The Age of Ideology Glossary

Title of related interest also available from Waveland Press: Arnhart, Political Questions: Political Philosophy from Plato to Pinker, Fourth Edition (ISBN 9781478629061).