Providing a comprehensive introduction to political philosophy, this
book combines discussion of historical and contemporary figures,
together with numerous real-life examples. It ranges over an unusually
broad range of topics in the field, including the just distribution of
wealth, both within countries and globally; the nature and
justification of political authority; the meaning and significance of
freedom; arguments for and against democratic rule; the problem of war;
and the grounds for toleration in public life. It also offers an
accessible, non-technical discussion of perfectionism, utilitarianism,
theories of the social contract, and of recently popular forms of
critical theory. Throughout, the book challenges readers to think
critically about political arguments and institutions that they might
otherwise take for granted. It will be a provocative text for any
student of philosophy or political science.