An Introduction to Political Philosophy

by Jonathan Wolff
An Introduction to Political Philosophy cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Philosophy
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Paperback • £34.99
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  • ID: 8428
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780199296095
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

An Introduction to Political Philosophy offers a structured approach to understanding some of the most important questions in political thought. The revised edition provides a clear and accessible introduction, making it ideal for beginners while also introducing distinctive ideas from the author. Organized around major issues, this text serves as a comprehensive guide to the complexities of political philosophy. This book is not just about understanding theories but also about engaging with the practical implications of political ideas. It encourages readers to think critically about the structures of power, justice, and governance that shape our world. Whether you're a student or an enthusiast, this text will equip you with the tools to navigate the intricate landscape of political philosophy.

Reviews
Reddit - Political Philosophy · 2025-12-21
great 4.00

This book provides a great classical introduction to political philosophy. The author is praised for being as unbiased as possible.

The reviewer appreciates the book for its comprehensive introduction to classical political philosophy. They highlight the author's efforts to maintain an unbiased perspective, which adds to the book's credibility. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those looking to understand the foundational aspects of political philosophy. The reviewer also notes that the book does a great job of presenting the main themes and debates within the field, making it a useful tool for both academic and casual readers.

Quick quotes

    I felt it did a great job giving a classical introduction to Political Philosophy.

    The author seemed to be unbiased as possible.

    The book covers issues such as who should rule, and does this by engaging with the main themes, debates and tensions within democratic theory.

H-Net Reviews · 2025-12-21
unsatisfactory 2.00

This book is unsatisfactory if one expects it to explore questions beyond the quest for justice. It is more suitable for those interested in classical political philosophy.

The reviewer points out that this book may not be the best choice for those looking to explore a wide range of questions in political philosophy. It is more suited for those interested in the classical introduction to the subject. The book does a good job of presenting the main themes and debates within democratic theory, but it may not be as comprehensive for those seeking a broader exploration of political philosophy.

Quick quotes

    However, if one thinks that political philosophy may have other questions to pursue beyond the quest for justice, this book would be very unsatisfactory.

    The book covers issues such as who should rule, and does this by engaging with the main themes, debates and tensions within democratic theory.

    The book concludes with a chapter that discusses the 'individualism' of contemporary political theory, with particular emphasis on feminist critiques.

Political Not Metaphysical · 2016-02-01
recommended 4.50

This book is recommended for those seeking to understand basic issues in political philosophy. It provides a clear and accessible introduction to the subject.

The reviewer highly recommends this book to anyone looking to get a grasp on the fundamental issues in political philosophy. They praise the book for its clarity and accessibility, making it a great starting point for those new to the subject. The book does an excellent job of presenting complex ideas in a straightforward manner, making it suitable for both students and general readers.

Quick quotes

    I would recommend the book to those seeking to get a grasp on some of the basic issues in political philosophy; for such readers, the Wolff's book is an excellent introduction.

    Jonathan Wolff takes the reader through the very beginnings of political philosophy, making it accessible and engaging.

    Any student of political philosophy should buy this book. It's an excellent overview of the subject, very useful as a starting point.

Amazon · 1996-01-01
excellent 4.50

The book is described as an excellent introduction to a tough subject. It is praised for taking the reader through the beginnings of political philosophy.

This reviewer found the book to be an excellent introduction to a complex subject. They appreciated how the author, Jonathan Wolff, guides the reader through the foundational aspects of political philosophy. The reviewer noted that the book is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible even to those who are new to the field. They also highlighted the book's ability to cover a wide range of topics, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject. Overall, they recommended the book as a valuable resource for anyone interested in political philosophy.

Quick quotes

    This is an excellent introduction to a very tough subject.

    Jonathan Wolff takes the reader through the very beginnings of political philosophy.

    It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in political philosophy.

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