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Classics of Political Thought for Today
Humanity faces numerous critical challenges in the twenty-first century, from climate change and globalization to pandemics and the impact of technological advances. Can the ideas of past political thinkers help us refine the problem-solving skills needed to redress the practical predicaments of today? In Classics of Political Thought for Today, Colin Farrelly explores a wide range of historical political thinkers, demonstrating how the successes and limitations of these past figures can yield sage insights for how we identify and address the social and political problems of today. The book canvasses, and critically assesses, the ancient Greeks, social contract theory, conservatism, feminism, Black political thought, utilitarianism, and Marxism. Farrelly highlights the lessons we can learn from past political thinkers, engaging with their ideas in a way that facilitates the intellectual curiosity, insight, and optimism necessary for addressing the societal predicaments of today and tomorrow.
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Classics of Political Thought for Today
Scroll down to watch a Q&A video with author Colin Farrelly about Classics of Political Thought for Today
Humanity faces numerous critical challenges in the twenty-first century, from climate change and globalization to pandemics and the impact of technological advances. Can the ideas of past political thinkers help us refine the problem-solving skills needed to redress the practical predicaments of today? In Classics of Political Thought for Today, Colin Farrelly explores a wide range of historical political thinkers, demonstrating how the successes and limitations of these past figures can yield sage insights for how we identify and address the social and political problems of today. The book canvasses, and critically assesses, the ancient Greeks, social contract theory, conservatism, feminism, Black political thought, utilitarianism, and Marxism. Farrelly highlights the lessons we can learn from past political thinkers, engaging with their ideas in a way that facilitates the intellectual curiosity, insight, and optimism necessary for addressing the societal predicaments of today and tomorrow.
Chapter Topics:
- Plato, Justice, and Epistocracy
- Aristotle, Virtue Ethics, and Happiness
- Hobbes, Human Nature, and Anarchism
- Locke, Limited Government, and Toleration
- Rousseau, Inequality, and the General Will
- Conservative Political Thought
- Feminist Political Thought
- Black Political Thought
- Utilitarianism
- Marx and the Critique of Capitalism
Reviews:
"Classics of Political Thought for Today is a truly excellent introduction to the field. Farrelly's presentation is ecumenical and accessible but also distinctive. The authors of our classic texts aspired to speak to the ages—and Farrelly is a very good listener."
—David Schmidtz, Presidential Chair of Moral Science, West Virginia University
"A wonderfully approachable introduction to the history of Western political philosophy. Colin Farrelly draws on a diverse range of authors, some familiar and some less so, to bring the past into the present. From the limits of free speech to the case for reparations, Farrelly's thoughtful exposition of historical authors brings fresh insight to contemporary debates."
—Daniel Butt, Balliol College, University of Oxford
About the Author:
Colin Farrelly is the Sir Edward Peacock Professor of Political Theory in the Department of Political Studies at Queen's University in Canada. His other books include Biologically Modified Justice (CUP, 2016) and An Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory (Sage, 2003).
Behind the Scenes of Classics of Political Thought for Today with author Colin Farrelly:
