This important 1999 text covers the key debates in contemporary political theory.This book presents work from leading scholars on key debates in contemporary political theory. Topics include the relationship between history and theory; utilitarianism and rational choice; republicanism; problems of difference, multiculturalism and postcolonial theory; debates in current legal theory and international politics; hermeneutics; feminism; communitarianism and poststructuralism. The essays reflect the state of political theory today, but also contemplate the state of the discipline more broadly.This book presents work from leading scholars on key debates in contemporary political theory. Topics include the relationship between history and theory; utilitarianism and rational choice; republicanism; problems of difference, multiculturalism and postcolonial theory; debates in current legal theory and international politics; hermeneutics; feminism; communitarianism and poststructuralism. The essays reflect the state of political theory today, but also contemplate the state of the discipline more broadly.This book presents work from leading scholars on key debates in contemporary political theory. Topics include the relationship between history and theory; utilitarianism and rational choice; republicanism; problems of difference, multiculturalism and postcolonial theory; debates in current legal theory and international politics; hermeneutics; feminism; communitarianism and poststructuralism. The essays reflect the state of political theory today, but also contemplate the state of the discipline more broadly.Preface; Introduction Andrew Vincent; 1. Political theory and conceptual change Terence Ball; 2. Poltical theory and the problem of anachronism Conal Condren; 3. Utilitarianism as a public philosophy Robert E. Goodin; 4. Rational choice political theory Geoffrey Brennan; 5. Republican political theory Philip Pettit; 6. Liberalism multiculturalism and oppression Chandran Kukalsß