Introduction to Political Theory

by O.P. Gauba

This new edition of An Introduction to Political Theory examines a fairly wide range of issues on political theory as identified at the beginning of the new millennium. It elaborates the nature and significance of political theory, concept of ideology, with a concise but searching description of various ideologies, including Gandhism and Feminism; nature and different views of politics and approaches to the study of politics ? traditional as well as contemporary, including normative and empirical, behavioural and post-behavioural approaches, with a focus on interdisciplinary perspective. It also examines the concepts of the state and civil society, particularly in the context of the contemporary trends in advanced industrial countries and the third world, theories of sovereignty, contemporary challenges to sovereignty with special reference to the process of globalization, and diverse perspectives on the state, including feminist and pluralist perspectives. It proceeds to elucidate the grounds and limits of political obligation, concept of power ? its structure and role, theories of citizenship, human rights, concepts of liberty and equality, theories concerning the right to property, concepts of justice and the common good with reference to various schools of thought, concept and theories of democracy including elitist and pluralist theories, notions of participatory democracy, people's democracy and deliberative democracy. Finally, it discusses the liberal as well as Marxist theories of social change, concepts of development and underdevelopment, alternative paths of development, sustainable development, environmentalism and the concept of political development. The author has adopted an analytical and critical approach that inspires readers to think for themselves rather than look for ready-made solutions. Writing in a concise and lucid style, the author has sought to make this book reader-friendly

Genres: Politics, Political Science, Nonfiction, Academic, Education, Academics

572 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Tanvika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handy reference for basic political philosophy ideas of equality, justice,rights, democracy, state.
There is focus on constructing political arguments logically .For instance, dealing with questions - is censorship justified?, Does affirmative action violate liberty?
There is coverage of different perspectives on ideals. Take the case of liberty.It is considered as absence of restraint by right liberals , while it means providing opportunities for creativity to individuals for Marcuse, MacPherson. Analysing these perspectives, the author argues middle path over extreme positions like Rawls theory of Justice over Hayek.
Ideas of Indian thinkers are discussed. Nehru was very modern in his outlook. He favored cultivating a scientific temper, no role of religion in politics and democratic socialism. While Ambedkar and Periyar were committed to social justice for lower castes .Chankya is a hardcore realist favoring a autocrat state.
Overall, a concise introductory book.

[Pooja Banga · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book: Introduction to Political Theory This new edition of An Introduction of Political Theory examines a fairly wide range of issues concerning the ever-expanding field of political theory in a multidisciplinary (historical - sociological - economic - philosophical - juristic) perspective.
It is a must read for all

[Ambuj Sahu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete package for almost all concept. Must read for all leisure, academic, serious and non-serious purposes in this field.

[Faizan Nabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book for beginners.

[Rehan Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucid and comprehensive.