Western Political Thought: From Socrates to the Age of Ideology

by Brian R. Nelson

Written simply and directly — but without sacrificing intellectual depth — this book presents the basic terms, ideas, and dilemmas of Western political thought through an in-depth analysis of a limited number of major thinkers — from the pre-Socratics to the contemporary era. It views the thinkers in historical context and examines them in terms of the changing relationships of ethics and politics in Western political philosophy. The book deals with each thinker in detail — explains basic concepts in depth, and draws out and analyzes the implications of various political theories; organizes theorists historically — from pre-Socratic philosophers to those of the contemporary era — with general historical context provided for each; explores an overarching theme throughout — the changing relationships of ethics and politics in Western political thought from Socrates to the present time.

Genres: Political Science, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Politics

393 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 1995

Reviews

[Musharrab Noor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary on the subject. Covers each philosopher in about 50 pages with his lucrative style.

[Coyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good survey of Western political theory I had assigned (but didn't read) in my undergrad. Nelson's great and using examples and showing how the tradition all fits together, though he's a little light on some of the deeper philosophical aspects of political theory. I don't think I'd ever assign it to a class, but it's a good review for comps...

[Umesh Kesavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best introduction available for a student on Western Political thought. All other convoluted,high-level academic treatises can wait. To know your Plato and Rousseau , Brian Nelson is the place to start.

[Bhat Sajad]

Sir I am not able to download this book plz help me

[Faizan Nabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing that i liked about this book is that it makes you understand the Philospher. The theories of the Philosphers then become more easy to grasp.

[Israel Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive introductory on political ideas that have shaped our modern way of thinking. The book is well written and well organized. The author is completely fluent in history and philosophy that makes it possible to put together thousand of years of Western philosophy into a manner that is easy to comprehend the theory of each epoch. The author is as much of a great writer as he was a great professor. I enjoyed being a student of his and still am a student of his while reading this valuable book.

[Manui]

very gud

[Abbas Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book most of political philosophers are critically discussed. Those who are interested to know major western political thinkers deeply should read this book.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well used, well thumbed, heavily highlighted, and very cherished legacy from my polsci university days. One of those stand out textbooks that easily becomes a biblical, timeless authority on its subject matter.

[Ahmyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

reading

[Sravya]

good book

[Er Das]

good