Reflections on Political Theory

In this study, Neal Wood challenges the conception of political theory as a lofty discipline remote from the world of real politics. Drawing on the examples of thinkers from Plato to those of the 19th century, he attempts to define political theory by examining the nature of the state and politics, by identifying the major characteristics that their theories share, and by analyzing the conditions that have favoured their creation. Wood critically explores the two principle approaches to studying the work of past theorists - the philosophical and the historical - and evaluates the relevance of Marxism. The various theories are not treated as blueprints but collectively as a voice of reason from the past, which can inspire and guide present and future theorizing.

ISBN	0333968808	Pages	192
ISBN13	9780333968802 (What's this?)	Volumes	1
Publisher	Palgrave Macmillan	Weight (grammes)	409
Imprint	Palgrave Macmillan	Published in	Basingstoke
Format	Hardback	Height (mm)	225
Publication date	18 Dec 2001	Width (mm)	143
Library of Congress	2001053170	Spine width (mm)	17
DEWEY	320.01	Academic level	Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional / Scholarly
DEWEY edition	DC21

	Preface
1	Questions and Problems	1
Pt. I	Defining Political Theory	15
2	State and Politics	17
3	Character of Political Theory	39
4	Conditions Favouring Political Theory	71
Pt. II	Studying Political Theory	89
5	Philosophical Mode of Analysis	91
6	Historical Mode of Analysis	115
7	Marxism and the Historical Mode of Analysis	133
8	Afterword: Toward the Future	155
	Notes	165
	Index	173

This is a book that the contemporary English-speaking world needs very much.' - Gordon Schochet, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University '...a pleasant -as well as informative-read' - Choice

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A Voice of Reason from the Past

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