Political Theory: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary and Classic Terms

(Hardback)

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Liberty. Justice. Nature. Law. First formulated millennia ago by the founding philosophers of the Western tradition, these basic concepts of human thought remain central to our conception of ourselves, our place in the world, and our relationships with others-that is, our politics. Readers encountering such broad political concepts, their practical expressions in political movements and systems of government, the ideas of influential ancient and modern political thinkersor simply familiar or unfamiliar catchphrases for which they would like a succinct yet informative explanationwill welcome this accessible encyclopedic guide. The major political concepts, themes, issues, movements, groups, and schools that have developed over time and shaped our modern world appear here in all their diversity, along with biographical entries and articles on the principal works of political theorists from Plato to John Rawls. Further, serious students and browsers alike will delight in the numerous entries on familiar quotations and political catchphrases, from the banality of evil and Big Brother to the war of all against all.

Reviews

This encyclopedia provides readers with an introductory understanding of the thinkers and ideas in this field; entries are readable and not technical. It would be ideal for undergraduates going through a text in political theory, for example, or possibly even first-year graduate students. . . . Recommended. * Choice *
This is a broad, readable, digestible and highly accessible publication.a very good value and would be a welcome addition to public, reference, government and academic libraries. * Reference Reviews *

Author Bio

Scott John Hammond is Professor of Political Science at James Madison University, specializing in Western political theory and philosophy. He is the coauthor (with Robert N. Roberts) of Encyclopedia of Presidential Campaigns, Slogans, Issues, and Platforms (Greenwood Press, 2004) and (with Paul C. Cline and Anthony J Eksterowicz) American Democracy: Representation, Participation, and the Future of the Republic (1995), and coeditor (with Kevin R. Hardwick and Howard L. Lubert) of the two-volume Classics of American Political and Constitutional Thought (2007).