An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Routledge Revivals)

First published in 1953, this seminal introduction to political philosophy is intended for both the student of political theory and for the general reader. After an introduction which explains the nature and purpose of philosophy, Dr Murray provides a critical examination of the principle theories advanced by political philosophers from Plato to Marx, paying special attention to contemporary issues.

The book also makes an attempt to define the essential issues of philosophical significance in contemporary politics, with special reference to the conflict between political authority and individual rights, and to show how the different moral assumptions underlying authoritarian and democratic systems of government are ultimately based upon different theories of logic.

Contenu

1. The Nature and Scope of Political Philosophy 2. The Political Theories of the Sophists 3. Plato's Theory of the Ideal State 4. Aristotle's Theory of the Best Possible State 5. Political Philosophy Between Aristotle and Machievelli 6. Machievelli on the Science of Government 7. Hobbes' Theory of the Rational State 8. Locke's Theory of the Moral State 9. Rousseau's Theory of the General Will 10. Hume and Burke on the Philosophy of Conservatism 11. Hegel's Idealist Theory of the State 12. The Utilitarian Theories of Bentham and Mill 13. Marxism, Communism and Socialism 14. Political Philosophy in Contemporary Politics 15. The Justification of Government