“I have read and adopted many introductory texts and find this text to be way above its peers. The level is sufficiently challenging and yet digestible for introductory students.” — Vincent Maphai, Williams College
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“Nelson’s text is a contemporary classic. It explains the major concepts of each philosopher’s political theory in a sophisticated way and yet is accessible to the beginner.” — Sharon Murphy, Nazareth College
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394 pages, $57.95 list
1-4786-2763-8
978-1-4786-2763-0
© 1996
paperback
Instructor's Manual available
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Similar Titles
Western Political Thought
From Socrates to the Age of Ideology
Second Edition
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.
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.
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Introduction
Part I: CLASSICAL AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THEORY
1. Socrates
2. Plato
3. Aristotle
4. Cicero
5. St. Augustine
6. St. Thomas Aquinas
Part II: MODERN POLITICAL THEORY
7. Machiavelli
8. Hobbes
9. Locke
10. Rousseau
Part III: CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY
11. Conservatism
12. Classical Liberalism
13. Modern Liberalism
14. Marxism
15. The Age of Ideology
Glossary
Part I: CLASSICAL AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THEORY
1. Socrates
2. Plato
3. Aristotle
4. Cicero
5. St. Augustine
6. St. Thomas Aquinas
Part II: MODERN POLITICAL THEORY
7. Machiavelli
8. Hobbes
9. Locke
10. Rousseau
Part III: CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY
11. Conservatism
12. Classical Liberalism
13. Modern Liberalism
14. Marxism
15. The Age of Ideology
Glossary