History of Political Theory: An Introduction Volume I: Ancient and Medieval

by Klosko, George

• ISBN13: 9780199695423
• ISBN10: 0199695423
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-11-25
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

History of Political Theory: An Introduction is a readable, scholarly introduction to the main figures in the history of Western Political Theory and their most important works. Volume I: Ancient and Medieval Political Theory 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 riseof 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 extensivequotations 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 theircontinuing relevance.

Author Biography

George Klosko works in both normative political theory and the history of political thought. His books include Political Obligations (Oxford, 2005) the Second Edition of The Development of Plato's Political Theory (Oxford, 2006). The Oxford Handbook of the History of Political Philosophy (2011), which he edited. He is Henry L. and Grace Doherty Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia.

Table of Contents

Contents
Preface
Introduction
Part I: Classical Political Theory
1. Origins: The Polis, Traditional Values, The Sophists
2. Socrates
3. Plato: The Defense of Justice
4. Plato: The Just City
5. Aristotle
6. Hellenistic Political Theory
Part II: Medieval Political Theory
7. The New Testament Background
8. St. Augustine
9. St. Thomas Aquinas and the High Middle Ages
10. Marsilius of Padua and Medieval Constitutionalism
11. Reformation Political Theory
Chronology
Index