This book introduces readers to the concepts of political philosophy. It starts by explaining why the subject is important and how it tackles basic ethical questions such as 'how should we live together in society?' It looks at political authority, the reasons why we need politics at all, the limitations of politics, and whether there are areas of life that shouldn't be governed by politics. It explores the connections between political authority and justice, a constant theme in political philosophy, and the ways in which social justice can be used to regulate rather than destroy a market economy. David Miller discusses why nations are the natural units of government and whether the rise of multiculturalism and transnational co-operation will change this: will we ever see the formation of a world government?
Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction
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David Miller is Professor of Political Theory, University of Oxford, and an Official Fellow of Nuffield College. In 2002 he was elected to a Fellowship of the British Academy.
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Petrolhead
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Short, readable, crystal clear. Politics books are often a hard climb or at least a tedious trudge. This is a smooth glide by comparison.
Miller states at the start that he wants to avoid jargon and academic mumbo-jumbo and he does just that, taking us on a concise but enjoyable tour of political philosophy. He begins at first principles and gradually builds his arguments, with deftly chosen examples adding depth and colour to the text. The logical progression means that the focus is firmly on democracy (since that is the political system that makes most sense to most people nowadays). Although he presents (and knocks down) arguments for alternative systems, don't expect great forays into the pros and cons of ideologies like Communism or Fascism. Among the concepts he tackles are justice, social justice, freedom, multiculturalism, feminism and globalisation.
The thoughts of political philosophers such as Plato, Rousseau, Locke, Mill and Rawls are woven beautifully into the flow, compact nuggets that reinforce rather than halt the narrative. Anyone who has tried to trawl through Rawls in the original will whisper a quiet thankyou when they arrive at the digested wisdom of Miller's version.
Miller makes a promise at the outset and he sticks to it: to be scrupulously fair and present all sides of each argument, even if the reader doesn't share his own leanings (which I sensed were slightly leftward).
In sum, it would be hard to do better than this for a well-reasoned introduction to (or refresher course in) political philosophy.
Miller states at the start that he wants to avoid jargon and academic mumbo-jumbo and he does just that, taking us on a concise but enjoyable tour of political philosophy. He begins at first principles and gradually builds his arguments, with deftly chosen examples adding depth and colour to the text. The logical progression means that the focus is firmly on democracy (since that is the political system that makes most sense to most people nowadays). Although he presents (and knocks down) arguments for alternative systems, don't expect great forays into the pros and cons of ideologies like Communism or Fascism. Among the concepts he tackles are justice, social justice, freedom, multiculturalism, feminism and globalisation.
The thoughts of political philosophers such as Plato, Rousseau, Locke, Mill and Rawls are woven beautifully into the flow, compact nuggets that reinforce rather than halt the narrative. Anyone who has tried to trawl through Rawls in the original will whisper a quiet thankyou when they arrive at the digested wisdom of Miller's version.
Miller makes a promise at the outset and he sticks to it: to be scrupulously fair and present all sides of each argument, even if the reader doesn't share his own leanings (which I sensed were slightly leftward).
In sum, it would be hard to do better than this for a well-reasoned introduction to (or refresher course in) political philosophy.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By A. Person
Format:Paperback
This was a mildly interesting introduction to an interesting subject. I felt it rambled a little, and was disappointed that it did not introduce any key theorists and missed out some key concepts (sovereignty, for example). The book only really succeeds in raising some key questions, but does not introduce one to the multifarious attempts to answer these questions. Furthermore, Miller's own opinions (given heavy weighting in the final chapters) are not particularly interesting or radical, and given the nature of the medium (a 'very short introduction') would be better presented elsewhere.
If you want a very short introduction to the subject of political philosophy, a good alternative is the 'Politics: A Very Short Introduction', which I have found to be a much better read and much more thorough.
If you want a very short introduction to the subject of political philosophy, a good alternative is the 'Politics: A Very Short Introduction', which I have found to be a much better read and much more thorough.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I think this book is one of the best VSI'S that I have read.
It speaks to you directly and there is none of the intellectual pseudo arguments that some writers expect you to perform to understand to subject. I wanted the book to last longer, David uses great arguments to open up your mind eg the fox hunting illustration. This helps you grasp the concepts he puts forward. I am sure it is not perfect but then again I am no expert on Political Philosophy. So I will leave it for others to critize this book if they must.
It has changed the way I look at politics and the process of state.
For that I thank the writer.
It speaks to you directly and there is none of the intellectual pseudo arguments that some writers expect you to perform to understand to subject. I wanted the book to last longer, David uses great arguments to open up your mind eg the fox hunting illustration. This helps you grasp the concepts he puts forward. I am sure it is not perfect but then again I am no expert on Political Philosophy. So I will leave it for others to critize this book if they must.
It has changed the way I look at politics and the process of state.
For that I thank the writer.
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3.8 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent introduction.in plain English
An excellent introduction with a refreshing absence of jargon and of the attempt to impress with the writers erudition.Highly recommended.
Published 3 months ago by Dennis F.Pleace
4.0 out of 5 stars
Does what it says on the tin
This book is a good short introduction. Do not expect depth, its virtue is its brevity. The computer is asking for four more words, that is eleven.
Published 4 months ago by Edward M. Sedgwick
5.0 out of 5 stars
An honest and thoughtful overview
Not being exactly new to the ideas of political philosophy I found certain aspects of this book somewhat basic particularly regarding the ethical considerations of good governance... Read more
Published 8 months ago by J. Eade
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good summary
Pocket sized summary of lots of political theories. I bought it for a philosophy evening class to get me up to speed and I found it very helpful. Read more
Published 8 months ago by LaM
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
This is a Very Short Introduction, and so I suppose it can be forgiven for being somewhat more superficial than a similar book by Jonathan Wolff which is styled an... Read more
Published 11 months ago by anozama
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very informative
Whenever I wish to learn more about a subject matter and form a coherent informed view I would usually start with Oxford's very introduction series as they are simply the best and... Read more
Published 20 months ago by S. MOHAMADI
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good content, but poorly edited
This book does exactly what it says it will - it introduces you to political philosophy in a brief but informative manner. Read more
Published on 22 Jan 2011 by My Spence
5.0 out of 5 stars
ok
i did not think it was that great just explained some realties
but were on the bases of supporting rather explaining most important staff
i think it missed it object. Read more
but were on the bases of supporting rather explaining most important staff
i think it missed it object. Read more
Published on 10 Mar 2010 by kami
5.0 out of 5 stars
perfectly pocket-sized political philosophy
This little book is a quick yet thoughtful work-through of some major areas of political philosophy. Read more
Published on 17 July 2007 by Andrew
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life saver
I have always had my doubts about chosing to study political philosophy at university like i did. Although i enjoy the subject, i have never fully understood the principals... Read more
Published on 7 Dec 2003 by Can I have a Pocket Money Raise
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