Political Philosophy Reading List – The Top 14 Books to Read
Political philosophy is a branch of philosophy concerned with structural and systemic issues of justice, property, authority, liberty, and rights. From introductions to grand political treatises, here are some of the most important political contributions made by philosophers throughout history.
1. An Introduction to Political Philosophy, by Jonathan Wolff
An Introduction to Political Philosophy, by Jonathan Wolff, is now in its third edition, and it discusses all of the core positions in political philosophy in conversational yet wonderfully enlightening prose. At 250 pages, it’s a great place to start learning about political philosophy.
2. Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? By Michael J. Sandel
For anyone interested in the ideologies and thinking that drive many of today’s most contentious issues, Michael J. Sandel’s 2008 book Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? introduces readers to the philosophical concepts that lurk beneath conflicts in politics and beyond.
3. Arguing About Political Philosophy, by Matt Zwolinski
Arguing About Political Philosophy by Matt Zwolinkski is a must-have for any serious student of political philosophy. Its 740 pages contain excerpts from the most important political contributions from philosophers past and present, all of which are brilliantly organized and include helpful contextual commentaries.
4. Republic, by Plato
Plato’s Republic sets out to answer the question, “What is justice?” Plato’s ideal society is governed by authoritarian philosopher kings rather than popularly democratic means. An essential text for anyone interested in the foundations and development of political thinking in Western society.
5. The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolu00f2 Machiavelli’s The Prince, written as a ruthless manual for aspiring rulers, shocked Europe when it was first published in 1532. Intended as a ruthless manual for aspiring rulers, The Prince abandons conventional notions of morality and justice. For those curious about what lies beneath all the grandstanding and lofty language of political philosophy, look no further.
6. Leviathan, by Thomas Hobbes
Hobbes’ Leviathan, one of the earliest examples of social contract theory, seeks to legitimize sovereign power by demonstrating that conflict among individuals is unavoidable. Leviathan’s power as a political work is demonstrated by its endurance over centuries of intense critique, and it is an essential read for committed students of political philosophy.
What are some of the most important political or philosophical writings of all time?
From social contracts to human rights, here are ten of the most important works on political foundations.
- Plato’s Republic (c375 BC)
- Machiavelli’s The Prince (1532)
- Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan (1651)
- John Locke’s Two Treatises of Government (1689)
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s The Social Contract (1762)
What is the most common political philosophy?
Plato’s “The Republic” and Aristotle’s “Politics” are among the most important classical works of political philosophy; later, St. Augustine’s “The City of God” was a Christianized version of these, emphasizing the role of the state in demonstrating mercy as a moral example.
What is philosophical approach to politics?
Philosophical Approach: This is the oldest approach in political science, and it is primarily concerned with judging what is good or bad in any political society. It is primarily an ethical and normative study of politics, and thus idealistic.
What is the most widely read book on philosophy?
We’ve compiled her recommendations below; dive into the best philosophy books right now.
- Plato’s Republic. Niccole Machiavelli’s The Prince. Renu00e9 Descartes’ Discourse on Method. Wade Baskin’s Classics in Chinese Philosophy.
- The Problems of Philosophy.
- The Emotions.
- Great Philosophers Volume One.
- Great Philosophers Volume Two.
What philosophers should I read?
We’ve compiled a list of philosophical books that we think everyone should read.
- Plato’s Apology.
- Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics.
- Descartes’ Discourse on Method.
- Voltaire’s Candide or Optimism.
- Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil.
- Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment.
- Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
Who is the father of political philosophy?
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who was also the first to come up with a working definition of political science. He believed that political science was a powerful and dynamic subject in the branch of science, and he was often referred to as “the father of political science.”
What are John Locke’s 3 natural rights?
“Life, liberty, and property” are among these fundamental natural rights, according to Locke, who believed that the most basic human law of nature is the preservation of mankind.
What is John Locke’s theory?
John Locke refuted the divine right of kings theory in political theory, arguing that all people are endowed with natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that rulers who fail to protect those rights may be removed by the people, using force if necessary.
What is traditional view of politics?
The traditional approach is value-based, emphasizing the importance of including values in the study of political phenomena. Adherents to this approach believe that political science should not be based solely on facts, because facts and values are inextricably linked.
Is political economy a theory or an approach?
Political economy is an interdisciplinary branch of the social sciences that studies how economic theories like capitalism, socialism, and communism work in practice.
What are the 5 methods of political science?
Many methods originating in psychology, social research, and cognitive neuroscience are used in political science, including positivism, interpretivism, rational choice theory, behavioralism, structuralism, post-structuralism, realism, institutionalism, and pluralism.
Who is the best philosopher in the world?
The Ideas of Major Philosophers
- Aristotle (384u2013322 BCE)
- Confucius (551u2013479 BCE)
- Renu00e9 Descartes (1596u20131650)
- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803u201382)
- Michel Foucault (1926u20131984)
- David Hume (1711u201377)
- Immanuel Kant (1724u20131804)
What is a good philosophy to live by?
u201cThe outer world is a reflection of the inner world. Get up and change it yourself!u201d u201cLife has no remote. Get up and change it yourself!u201d u201cIf you believe strongly in something, stand up and fight for it!u201d