HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT: PLATO TO MARX, 2ND EDITION by Mukherjee (Author)

History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx (2nd Edition)

Author: Subrata Mukherjee & Sushila Ramaswamy

Description:
This comprehensive book provides a detailed exploration of the evolution of political thought, spanning from the ancient philosophies of Plato and Aristotle to the modern ideologies of Marx. Written by Subrata Mukherjee and Sushila Ramaswamy, the second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to reflect new interpretations and insights into the political ideas that have shaped societies over centuries. With a focus on the key thinkers and their contributions, the book combines clarity, critical analysis, and historical context, making it an indispensable resource for students of political science and anyone interested in the history of ideas.

Key Features

1. Chronological Approach:

   • Covers political thought from ancient Greece to the modern era in a structured timeline.

2. Major Political Thinkers:

   • Examines the ideas of influential philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx.

3. Comprehensive Analysis:

   • Delves into the philosophical, social, and economic contexts of each thinker’s contributions.

4. Thematic Insights:

   • Discusses key themes like justice, governance, democracy, liberty, and equality.

5. Comparative Perspective:

   • Provides comparisons of thinkers to highlight differences and continuities in political thought.

6. Modern Interpretations:

   • Includes contemporary analyses and critiques of classical and modern theories.

7. Critical Engagement:

   • Encourages readers to critically evaluate the relevance of historical ideas in today's political scenarios.

8. Accessible Style:

   • Written in a clear and concise manner, suitable for undergraduate and graduate students.

9. Expanded Content:

   • Updates on previously covered thinkers and new sections on less-discussed figures in political thought.

10. Supplementary Materials:

    • Features summaries, discussion questions, and bibliographies to aid further study.

Thinkers Covered

1. Plato:

   • The concept of justice in The Republic, the philosopher-king, and ideal state theories.

2. Aristotle:

   • Analysis of constitutions, the idea of the "Golden Mean," and classifications of government.

3. Machiavelli:

   • Pragmatism in politics, the separation of ethics and politics, and his work The Prince.

4. Hobbes:

   • The social contract theory, the concept of the Leviathan, and views on human nature.

5. Locke:

   • Natural rights, property, government by consent, and the foundations of liberalism.

6. Rousseau:

   • The general will, the critique of inequality, and his vision of direct democracy.

7. Kant:

   • Ethical principles in politics and the notion of perpetual peace.

8. Hegel:

   • Dialectical reasoning, the state as a manifestation of freedom, and historical progress.

9. Marx:

   • Historical materialism, class struggle, and critiques of capitalism in works like Das Kapital.

10. Others:

    • Brief discussions of lesser-known but significant contributors to political thought.

Why Read This Book?

• Students: Ideal for political science courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• General Readers: For anyone interested in understanding how political ideas have shaped history and governance.
• Researchers: A valuable reference for academic work on political theory and intellectual history.
• Civil Services Aspirants: Useful for exams requiring knowledge of political thought and philosophy.

Conclusion

"History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx" offers a thorough understanding of the development of political ideas over centuries. By examining the lives, contexts, and theories of prominent thinkers, it equips readers with the tools to engage with the evolution of political ideologies critically. Whether you're a student, scholar, or history enthusiast, this book serves as a foundational resource for exploring the legacy of political thought.

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Writer                 ✤    Subrata Mukherjee , Sushila Ramaswamy