Western Political Thought: From Socrates To The Age Of Ideology

Brian R. Nelson's survey traces the development of political thought in the Western tradition, beginning with the questions raised by Socrates and the thinkers of ancient Greece. It moves through the medieval and Renaissance periods and the early modern era, then to the rise of the modern state and the great debates over liberty, authority and the social contract, before reaching the age of ideology. Along the way, readers meet the major figures and arguments that shaped how Western societies have understood justice, government and the individual's place within the political community. Written as an accessible introduction, the book suits students and general readers who want a clear map of the ideas behind modern politics.