Political Philosophy: A Very Short IntroductionThis book introduces readers to the concepts of political philosophy. It starts by explaining why the subject is important and how it tackles basic ethical questions such as 'how should we live together in society?' It looks at political authority, the reasons why we need politics at all, the limitations of politics, and whether there are areas of life that shouldn't be governed by politics. It explores the connections between political authority and justice, a constant theme in political philosophy, and the ways in which social justice can be used to regulate rather than destroy a market economy. David Miller discusses why nations are the natural units of government and whether the rise of multiculturalism and transnational co-operation will change this: will we ever see the formation of a world government? ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
Contents
1 | |
2 Political authority | 19 |
3 Democracy | 37 |
4 Freedom and the limits of government | 55 |
5 Justice | 74 |
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Common terms and phrases
A. C. Grayling Ambrogio Lorenzetti anarchist argued argument Bad Government basic behave behaviour believe benefits challenge Chapter choose citizens claim constitution cosmopolitanism costs cultural Cy Grant debate decide democracy democratic depends distribution economic elected ensure equal example fair favour feminists and multiculturalists form of government fox-hunting give global justice groups Hobbes Hobbes’s human rights idea important individual instance involved issues John Rawls John Stuart Mill justice requires justified kind less liberal liberty live look majority Malise Ruthven matter means Mill’s minority moral multiculturalism nation-state norms obey the law opportunity options people’s personal freedom Peter Singer Plato political authority political community political decisions political obligation political philosophy principle problem protect question Rawls’s reason relevant religion religious representatives Richard Tuck rule rulers Satanic Verses self-regarding Siena social justice society someone taxes treated University Press vote women