Using Political Ideas

"I asked my students about their views on this book. All of them agreed that its strength is its readability and comprehensive coverage of the main issues in a study of political ideologies and ideas. Goodwins was the book to which my students turned first to find out what the questions under discussion were all about. The strengths of the book are such that a fourth edition is most welcome." Lecturer, Aberdeen University Have we a duty to conserve the worlds resources for future generations? Does the majority have the right to dictate to minorities in a multicultural society? Is equality more important than personal freedom? Is nationalism a progressive force in the world? This book is of unique interest for everyone concerned with such questions. It offers a critique of contemporary political ideologies and an analysis of the ideas and concepts which we use in political arguments. By revealing the interplay between ideas and ideologies, it shows us why political opponents so often seem to argue at cross-purposes.
The book emphasizes the relationship between ideologies, political ideas and day-to-day politics, and shows how political ideas influence not only argument but also political behaviour. The author stresses the importance of theoretical analysis for understanding the political world and for criticizing the ideas and agencies which govern our lives. Using Political Ideas has been strongly influential in the teaching of political philosophy since it was first published in 1982. Professor Goodwins lucid style and avoidance of technical jargon make her work accessible to a wide readership. This fourth edition of the book contains two important new chapters, on feminism and Green political thought, and the whole book has been revised to reflect the effect of contemporary events on political thinking. "It is an immensely valuable and sophisticated book, while also accessible: Ive been dipping around in it, and shall continue to dip!" Ben Pimlott, Professor of Politics and Contemporary History, University of London.