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An Introduction to Political Philosophy Paperback – 15 April 2006

by Jonathan Wolff (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 71 ratings
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There is a newer edition of this item:

An Introduction to Political Philosophy
An Introduction to Political Philosophy
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The revised edition of this highly successful text provides a clear and accessible introduction to some of the most important questions of political philosophy. Organized around major issues, Wolff provides the structure that beginners need, while also introducing some distinctive ideas of his own.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Oxford University Press BPS
  4. Publication date
    15 April 2006
  5. Dimensions
    13.34 x 1.27 x 20.32 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    019929609X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0199296095
  8. See all details
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Review

Review from previous edition 'A lucid and enviably clear introduction to some of the most important questions of political philosophy...The book is written in a style that manages to be chatty without being irritating, something not often achieved by professional philosophers aspiring to write for a general or student audience' (Matt Matravers, International Journal of Philosophical Studies)

'This is exactly what the title says - it introduces students to many of the central topics of political philosophy and in the process to many of its most distinguished figures from Plato to John Rawls. By organizing his book around major issues, Wolff provides the structure that beginners need. He also introduces some distinctive ideas of his own, especially on such matters as the ownership of property, the persuasiveness of anarchism, and the limits of the right to self-destructive behaviour. He writes with an enviable clarity and even-handedness' (Alan Ryan)

'A superb piece of work...far and away the best introduction to political philosophy I've ever seen' (Dudley Knowles)

'Wolff makes each issue come alive...This book is the ideal introduction to the subject and should be widely read. It is a book I wish I had written' (Paul J. Kelly, Political Studies)

'There is probably no better introduction of this sort...a clear and engaging account of academic political philosophy today' (Andrew Levine, Mind)

'The clarity of presentation betrays an admirable intimacy with the problems and texts discussed, and an ability to present sympathetic accounts of positions on both sides of controversial issues. To my knowledge, it is the best volume of its kind' (Clark Wolf, Teaching Philosophy)

'Jonathan Wolff's An Introduction to Political Philosophy can be unhesitatingly recommended. With its clarity of language, which never sacrifices subtlety of thought, this book is set to become a classic...We are given just what we require, with no ideologies being subliminally proposed' (Christopher J. Walker, Diplomat)

About the Author

Jonathan Wolff is Professor of Philosophy at University College London.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press BPS; 2 edition (15 April 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 019929609X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0199296095
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.34 x 1.27 x 20.32 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 71 ratings

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Jonathan Wolff

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sylphide
5.0 out of 5 stars Philosophy majors, PoliSci majors, History majors and just about anyone else: MUST READ THIS BOOK! Serves as guide and notes~
Reviewed in the United States on 14 August 2015
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I used this book for my political philosophy intensive course as a guide to prepare my students before reading the original classics.
My students are able to understand the contents easily and Professor Wolff writes in a way that beginners to political philosophy can read this book as though it were an article, once through, and still understand the technical ideas.
I love that Professor Wolff summarizes major theories and the methods in a logical manner.
He covers the basics, leaving room for thoughts and arguments.
This is the 3rd time I required this book for my course.

Background: My students are mostly pre-college as our course is for gifted youth. So by "able to understand easily", I mean for pre-college students.

College Students: This should serve as an easy introduction into political philosophy. Of course, I recommend also reading Hobbes' Leviathan, Rousseau's Social Contract, etc. However, even without those basic classical readings, Professor Wolff highlights the major ideas of the most politically influential philosophers into an easy to read and sometimes humourous book.
For Political Science, Philosophy and History majors, I definitely recommend having a copy of the book. It can even serve as a substitute of notes for most lectures in political philosophy courses.

Unless someone else writes an even more marvelous book (but this is the best of my 5 year search), I will be using this book for all my future political philosophy intensives.
14 people found this helpful
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Client d'Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction
Reviewed in France on 12 September 2016
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As the title says, this is a mere introduction to a vast topic. The author decided to select a few philosophers among the most important and develop their ideas using concepts, but also examples and analogies. It is by far non exhaustive -- but how could an introduction be --, but highly recommanded as a first read.
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anozama
5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant, balanced, and refreshing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2012
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Reading a political philosopher is a refreshing contrast from the bogus certitudes of politicians. Wolff considers key topics such as the state, democracy, liberty, and justice, aspiring to guide us from `muddled ignorance' to `informed bemusement'.

Firstly, we learn that, despite the general consensus that we need an appointed authority to prevent general breakdown in society, no theory can be found to demonstrate definitively that that all citizens should be compelled to obey it !

Secondly, the different forms of democracy are analysed -it would work better than the alternative (benign dictatorship with exhaustive opinion polls) if people voted according to their conscientious estimate of the best solution for the whole of society. It is actually of more doubtful efficacy if we (as we tend to) simply choose what's best for ourselves (`the tyranny of the majority'). Unless of course democracy has an added function - perhaps to promote a culture of universal respect.

As to the questions: How much liberty should we each possess ? Which is more important when social justice competes with liberty? Which should be our primary concern, the individual or society ? After elegant exposition of the arguments, I was left to agree with Wolff that `there can be no final word' in political philosophy.

Finally, there are other equilibria to recognize: should we be radical and progressive, placing our weight behind whichever argument we find most plausible? Or conservative, and sceptical of the usefulness of political theories? And should we prioritise reforming the law, or focus on applying it with sensitivity and compassion?

Thanks to this book, I am now more intrigued by politics, less impressed by politicians, and a fully signed-up floating voter !
9 people found this helpful
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juabure
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Political Philosophy
Reviewed in the United States on 13 April 2012
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I am new to this discipline and I'm very glad I stumbled upon this book. It provides, if not answers, a good overview of what philosophers have reasoned on important questions like: who should rule? Do we have a moral obligation to obey the state? Have all humans been imbued with unalienable natural rights? If not, are we entitled to natural rights at all or can we find some other justification for rights? What political system is best suited to promote the greatest happiness? Unbridled Capitalism or Totalitariam Communism? Something in between perhaps?

This is a book that is very well written, does not beat around the bushes and goes to great lengths to explain and cover the most complicated concepts. It does cover a lot of material, however, and I'm currently finding myself reading it for the second time (an extremely rare thing for me) to make sure I get all the finer points.

A definitely recommend this book.
2 people found this helpful
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Liam
5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant introduction
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 January 2013
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Jonathan Wolff's introduction to political philosophy is by far the superior of all within its kind. Whilst many introductions to philosophy tend to overlook political and social philosophies, Wolff provides a sweeping and impartial review of the main debates in political philosophy through a series of intriguing and engaging questions. This unusual structure is one of the highlights of this peerless work; it maintains an interesting atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and provides an arena for the contention of different views. Furthermore, it allows for a development of political philosophy from the ground up; a real and unmissable novelty.
Another feature of this work, which I have heard offered as a criticism, is a lack of decisive conclusion; Wolff remains entirely objective in his treatment of the arguments and his indecision is one of the many highlights of this work. This is most eminent in his conclusion to the book itself, in which he claims that despite a lack of answers, we ought to continue to practice our political philosophising.
In writing this review, I must confess, I endeavour to remain objective in my dealing with the work and have tried to find grounds to criticise it. However, there is nothing in this work which I find I can provide negative report of, at least without making trivial or unfounded attacks.
Overall, this is by far the greatest introduction available and one which is entirely deserving of its great reputation.
4 people found this helpful
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