History of Political Theory: An Introduction, Volume 1: Ancient and Medieval, 2nd Edition

Description

History of Political Theory: An Introduction is an engaging introduction to the main figures in the history of Western Political Theory and their most important works. Volume I traces the development of political theory "from the beginning" in ancient Greece through the Reformation. Main subjects examined include the Classical political theory of the Greek polis, the Hellenistic period, the rise of Christian political theory, political theory of the middle ages, and the Reformation. Major figures examined include Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas, Marsilius of Padua, and Martin Luther. Throughout, the great theorists are closely examined in their historical contexts, with extensive quotations allowing them to speak for themselves. Central concepts employed in their works are carefully examined, with special attention to how these fit together to form coherent theories. The works of the great theorists are further considered in regard to how they bear on issues of contemporary concern, such as constitutionalism, natural law, and resistance to unjust authority. The result is not only an exploration of the great works of political theory but a demonstration of their continuing relevance. Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 14 Abbreviations......Page 15 Introduction......Page 16 Part 1: Classical Political Theory......Page 22 1. Origins: The Polis, Traditional Values, the Sophists......Page 24 2. Socrates......Page 53 3. Plato: The Defense of Justice......Page 72 4. Plato: The Just City......Page 98 5. Aristotle......Page 129 6. Hellenistic Political Theory......Page 166 Part II: Medieval Political Theory......Page 206 7. The New Testament Background......Page 208 8. St. Augustine......Page 236 9. St. Thomas Aquinas and the High Middle Ages......Page 272 10. Marsilius of Padua and Medieval Constitutionalism......Page 311 11. Reformation Political Theory......Page 341 Chronology......Page 377 A......Page 380 C......Page 381 E......Page 382 J......Page 383 M......Page 384 P......Page 385 R......Page 386 T......Page 387 Z......Page 388