Politics: Key Concepts in Philosophy

Hardback

Main Details

Title Politics: Key Concepts in Philosophy
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Dr Iain MacKenzie
SeriesKey Concepts in Philosophy
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:184
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 138
ISBN/Barcode 9780826487940
ClassificationsDewey:320.01
Audience
Undergraduate

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publication Date 24 May 2009
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The extent and nature of rights; the sources of state power; the promises and pitfalls of democracy; how to achieve a just distribution of social goods; the claims of culture and gender on our identity: these are just some of the issues to have been addressed by political philosophers throughout history. Politics: Key Concepts in Philosophy offers a thorough and stimulating account of political philosophy. The text is structured thematically in order to convey the vibrancy of debates within the discipline. Through these debates the text addresses the ideas of major thinkers -including Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Foucault, Rawls, Kymlicka, Okin and Butler - and it begins and ends with discussions about the nature of political philosophy itself. This is an invaluable aid to study, one that goes beyond simple definitions and summaries; readers new to this discipline will encounter a lively text full of clear signposts for the journey into political philosophy.

Author Biography

Iain MacKenzie is Lecturer in Political Theory at the University of Kent, UK. His previous publications include Political Concepts: A Reader and Guide (Edinburgh UP, 2005) and The Idea of Pure Critique (Continuum, 2004).

Reviews

"A superbly well-written study of the philosophical roots of contemporary political life. While recognising that our political problems may not be identical to those that motivated classical political philosophers MacKenzie shows how their work is reinterpreted to address contemporary issues. Deftly weaving together exegesis of texts with analysis of concepts and values this book will be of interest to students and general readers alike." - Paul Graham, University of Glasgow, UK