Classics in Political Philosophy

by Jene M. Porter (Editor)

This text is a one-volume library of political philosophy which covers the major works commonly taught in university-level courses in Political Philosophy or Political History. It could also serve as a supplement to an introductory course in Political Science. This text introduces students to original works such as Plato's Republic, Machiavelli's The Prince, and Hegel's Philosophy of Right.

Genres: Philosophy

680 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1989

Reviews

[JR Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, I skipped some of Plato, and some of Rousseau. Can you blame me? Great collection of political excerpts anyhow, even if it's too Plato-heavy. Guy had terrible thoughts on political government that even he later repented of, so there's no need for over 100 pages for him.

[Peter Bringe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for college class, and I only read the assigned portion (up to page 436). Still a good experience reading the philosophers in their own words (Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau). I give it four stars, not because I liked all the positions of the philosophers (I have many objections to most of the positions taken), but because I found the time reading them at this point in my life valuable.

One gem from the book: "Indeed, without justice, what are kingdoms but great robberies? For what are robberies themselves, but little kingdoms?" -Augustine, (p. 189; City of God, IV, 4)