Political Philosophy: A Beginners' Guide for Students and Politicians

Political Philosophy: A Beginners' Guide for Students and Politicians

by Adam Swift (Author)

Synopsis

Politicians invoke grand ideas: social justice, democracy, liberty, equality,community. But what do these ideas really mean? How can politicians across the political spectrum appeal to the same values? This revised and expanded edition of Political Philosophy: A Beginner's Guide for Students and Politicians, answers these important questions. Accessible and lively, the book is an ideal student text, but it also brings the insights of the world's leading political philosophers to a wide general audience. Using plenty of examples, it equips readers to think for themselves about the ideas that shape political life. Democracy works best when both politicians and voters move beyond rhetoric to think clearly and carefully about the political principles that should govern their society. But clear thinking is difficult in an age when established orthodoxies have fallen by the wayside. Bringing political philosophy out of the ivory tower and within the reach of all, this book provides us with tools to cut through the complexities of modern politics. In so doing, it makes a valuable contribution to the democratic process.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 208
Edition: 2nd Edition
Publisher: Polity Press
Published: 25 May 2006

ISBN 10: 0745635326
ISBN 13: 9780745635323

Media Reviews
An obviously well thought out and researched book, providing an excellent touchstone for those coming to political philosophy for the first time. Australian Journal of Political Science Political Philosophy is enthusiastically recommended not just for students, but for anyone seeking to prepare themselves to cast a well-informed vote in elections. Midwest Book Review A triumph of a book that illuminates the last two decades of politics and points the way to the next ... How does philosophy affect politics? Through books like this. James Purnell MP Adam Swift's introduction to politial philosophy is clear-headed, fair-minded and fluently written. It will be of great value to students and all those interested in contemporary debates about liberty, equality, justice and community. Michael Sandel, Harvard University
Author Bio
Adam Swift, Fellow in Politics and Sociology at Balliol College, and Director of the Centre for the Study of Social Justice, Department of Politics and International Relations, Oxford.