Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present

by David Boucher (Editor), Paul Kelly (Editor)

Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to Western political thought. Written by a team of internationally renowned scholars, this definitive collection provides an overview of the canon of great theorists, from Socrates and the Sophists to contemporary thinkers such as Habermas and Foucault.
Each chapter opens with a short chapter guide, biographical sketch, and list of the key texts and ideas of the thinker under discussion. There then follows a critical presentation of that thinker`s ideas and significance and a summation of the best contemporary scholarship in the area.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Nonfiction, Political Science, History, Textbooks

664 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Alexandru · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book written in a very academic style and thus quite hard to read for some. As well it suffers from the strange format when every chapter is written by different authors with different styles and interests.

[Aydin Gunduz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction which can guide you through the history of political thought.
Or I would recommend you to go over the related chapters, after having read the primary literature. It points out the essential parts which one has to keep in mind.

[Sam Durk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally finished this (12 years after graduating); had more time land in my lap recently and for some reason, became determined to cover to cover this book. Good God it wasn't worth it. So dry, so obtuse, so uneven, I just can't see who this is designed to appeal to.

Sometimes I dream of going back to Uni or what would have happened if I pursued politics further and every time I read this book the academic jargon and inhuman writing swiftly reminds of why I stopped it and so I guess that was a positive impact from the book at least.

Highly recommend you steer clear of it!

[Ciolacu Giuliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

O sinteză a evoluției gândirii politice din Grecia antică până în prezent de o mare acuratețe la care au contribuit diverși autori. Principalele idei sunt sintetizate într-o manieră elegantă care-l face pe cititor să urmărească motivele care au împins diverși gânditori politici la sistemele cărora le-au rămas credincioși.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

REALLY helpful for getting a thorough concept of each. Highly recommend you use it with some of the original texts to get the full scope.