
An Introduction to Political Philosophy
Colin Bird(Author)
Cambridge University Press
2nd Edition
Published on 25. April 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
380 pages
978-1-108-43755-4 (ISBN)
Description
Now revised and updated and containing several entirely new chapters, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to political philosophy. It discusses historical and contemporary figures and covers a vast range of topics and debates, including immigration, war, national and global economics, the ethical and political implications of climate change, and the persistence of racial oppression and injustice. It also presents accessible, non-technical discussions of perfectionism, utilitarianism, theories of the social contract, and the Marxian tradition of social criticism. Real-life examples introduce students to ways of using philosophical reflection and debates, and open up new perspectives on politics and political issues. Throughout, this book challenges readers to think critically about political arguments and institutions that they might otherwise take for granted. It will be a vital and provocative resource for any student of philosophy or political science.
More details
Series
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 249 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
679 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-43755-4 (9781108437554)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Colin Bird
An Introduction to Political Philosophy
E-Book
04/2019
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€18.49
Available for download
Previous edition

Colin Bird
An Introduction to Political Philosophy
Book
12/2006
Cambridge University Press
€34.65
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Colin Bird is Associate Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia. He is the author of The Myth of Liberal Individualism (Cambridge, 1999), and his work has also appeared in numerous major academic journals including Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, The American Political Science Review, Political Theory, Polity, and The European Journal of Philosophy.
Content
Introduction; Part I. Politics and Critical Morality: 1. Forms of political criticism; 2. The common good; 3. Classical utilitarianism; 4. Utilitarian critical morality: implications and problems; 5. The social contract; 6. Contractualism 2.0; Part II. Topics in Political Philosophy: 7. Property and wealth; 8. Economic justice; 9. The significance of borders; 10. Responsibility for the environment; 11. War; 12. Liberty; 13. Democratic rule; Part III. Changing the World: Ideal Futures and Past Injustices: 14. Critical enlightenment, ideology, and materialism; 15. Ideal theory, race and reparation.