History of Political Theory: An Introduction: Volume I: Ancient and Medieval - Softcover

Klosko, George

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199695423 ISBN 13: 9780199695423

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2012

Synopsis

History of Political Theory: An Introduction is an engaging introduction to the main figures in the history of Western Political Theory and their most important works. Volume I traces the development of political theory "from the beginning" in ancient Greece through the Reformation. Main subjects examined include the Classical political theory of the Greek polis, the Hellenistic period, the rise of Christian political theory, political theory of the middle ages, and the Reformation. Major figures examined include Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas, Marsilius of Padua, and Martin Luther. Throughout, the great theorists are closely examined in their historical contexts, with extensive quotations allowing them to speak for themselves. Central concepts employed in their works are carefully examined, with special attention to how these fit together to form coherent theories. The works of the great theorists are further considered in regard to how they bear on issues of contemporary concern, such as constitutionalism, natural law, and resistance to unjust authority. The result is not only an exploration of the great works of political theory but a demonstration of their continuing relevance.

About this title

About the Author

George Klosko works in both normative political theory and the history of political thought. His books include Political Obligations (Oxford, 2005) the Second Edition of The Development of Plato's Political Theory (Oxford, 2006). The Oxford Handbook of the History of Political Philosophy (2011), which he edited. He is Henry L. and Grace Doherty Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia.

Review

Klosko's introduction will serve the purposes of most undergraduate courses in the history of political theory very well, and especially those that wishes to structure their reading lists around the texts of Plato. ... [I]t will help students access these texts and see their relevance for the predicaments faced by each and every democratic citizen. * Mark Fisher, LSE Review of Books *

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0199695423
• ISBN 13: 9780199695423
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 373