Political Philosophy An Historical Introduction [Paperback]

From Greek antiquity to the latest theories, this historical survey of political philosophy not only covers the major thinkers in the field but also explores the theme of how political philosophy relates to the nature of man. It illustrates how the great political thinkers have always grounded their political thought in what the author terms a normative anthropology, which typically has not only ethical but metaphysical and/or theological components. Starting with the ancient Greek Sophists, author Michael J. White examines how thinkers over the centuries have approached such political and philosophical concerns as justice, morality, and human flourishing, offering substantial studies of--among others--Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, and J. S. Mill. White highlights the impact of Christianity on political philosophy, illustrating the diversity of that impact by studies of Augustine, Aquinas, and Marsilius of Padua. Concluding with an in-depth analysis of John Rawls and contemporary liberal political philosophy, this text blends insight and information in a refreshing and useful manner. A brief Epilogue considers both the value and the limitations of political philosophy and its study.

Acknowledgments and Preface to Second Edition
Chapter 1. Introduction
Politics and Human Nature
The Idea of Human Nature or the Human Good as 'Function': Normative Anthropology
My 'Story' of Political Philosophy-and my Cast of Characters
Enduring Issues in Political Philosophy

Chapter 2. Classical Greek Political Philosophy: Beginnings
Nature or Nurture?
Protagoras' Democratic Traditionalism
The Functionalistic Foundation of the Political Aretai in Nature (physis)
Glaucon's Contractarian Political Theory

Chapter 3. Plato: Government for Corrupted Intellects
Socrates' Polis of Pigs
The 'Republic' of Plato's Republic
The Human Ergon and the Purpose ol³: