An Introduction to Political Philosophy

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.

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.

This is a very good introduction...I mean VERY good. I have not finished it yet but I can tell you that it is written in such a way that you really get all the substance without sweat...and also..you simply do not want to put the book down...really a page turner. They way Mr Wolff presents the differents views on each issue is excellent!!!Interested in Political Philosophy??? This should be your book of choice.

This book was a requirement for my Political Science class, so naturally I went in dreading it. However, I was pleasantly surprised how accessible and understandable this book was. Jonathan Wolff lays out the basics of the early theorists of political philosophy excellently. He takes every argument, states it in a very simple, easy to understand manner, and then provides the counterpoint and typically lists one critic of the idea. He does this throughout the book so the reader can make up his/her mind which side is right. Wolff does an outstanding job of staying as unbiased as one can when it comes to politics.If you are a college student as I am about to read this, don't worry, it will be a breath of fresh air in comparison to all of the other books from other classes.

This is a very good introduction to political philosophy. However, it is important for potential buyers to know that this is not the latest edition. A third edition is currently on the market.

The book was in perfect condition. Although a little expensive I did receive it within 2 days which was great because I needed it for a class that I added and needed to catch up in.

Gathers all most known philosophers studying Hobbes, Kant and many others on the fashion over thought.

Lucid, concise and thoughtful. Particularly liked the way in which most topics ended with an open question, encouraging the reader himself to enter into the debate. The 'further reading' section offers a very good list for further study, so this book is really a good start. Unfortunately, it doesn't discuss Aristotle (-1 star), but it's still a really comprehensive book, very well-written indeed.