Introduction to Political Theory: The Fundamental Debates of Politics

For many, understanding and engaging with political theory can be daunting. Introduction to Political Theory: The Fundamental Debates of Politics takes a thematic approach to political theory, introducing students to the main schools of thought and theorists′ ideas without overwhelming them with often-challenging primary texts. Jeffrey Church presents fundamental debates and issues that transcend time and place, pairing classical exercises with contemporary examples to engage readers in political theory and give them a strong foundation for future study.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements About the Author Introduction Chapter 1: The Basic Political Goods What Are Basic Goods? Security Freedom Development Excellence Well-Being Intrinsic Goods are also Instrumental Goods The Goods in Conflict Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 2: Justice What is Justice? Justice and Power Corrective Justice Distributive Justice Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 3: Human Nature What is Human Nature? The Fundamental Debates Over Human Nature How Human Nature Influences Political Debate Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 4: The State What is the State? Security versus Liberty in the Use of State Power Liberty versus Well-Being in the Use of State Power The State’s Different Forms of Power Centralization versus Decentralization of State Power Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 5: The Rule of Law What is the Rule of Law? The Case Against the Rule of Law The Case for the Rule of Law What Kind of Rule of Law? What Kind of Rule of Law? Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 6: Democracy What is Democracy? Direct Democracy Indirect Democracy Epistocracy against Democracy Human Nature and Democracy Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 7: Capitalism What is Capitalism? The Case for and against Capitalism: Freedom The Case for and against the Welfare and Regulatory State: Freedom The Case for Capitalism: Development The Case for and against Capitalism: Justice The Case against Capitalism: Well-Being Capitalism and Human Nature Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 8: Nation and Culture The National Community The Case for Patriotism and Nationalism: Security The Case against Patriotism and Nationalism: Freedom and Justice The Case for Patriotism: Freedom and Justice The Case for Patriotism: Freedom and Justice Political Communities: Excellence and Well-Being Human Nature and Political Community Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 9: Science and Religion What are science and religion? The Case for Science: Development and Well-Being The Case against Science: Freedom and Happiness The Case for Religion: Freedom, Justice, and Well-Being The Case against Religion: Freedom, Justice, and Development Education to Science and Religion: Arguments For and Against Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 10: Freedom of Speech and Its Critics What is the Freedom of Speech? The Case for the Freedom of Speech: Freedom and Development The Case against the Freedom of Speech: Security, Freedom, Equality, Well-Being The Case against Censorship: Freedom and Development Human Nature and Freedom of Speech Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Chapter 11: Imperialism and International Relations How Should International Relations be Conducted? The Case for Raison d’Etat: Security and Liberty Raison d’Etat: Isolation or Expansion? The Case against Raison D’Etat: Justice and Well-Being The Case for Idealism: Justice and Well-Being Idealism: Intervention or Imperialism? The Case against Idealism: Security and Liberty A World State? Raison d’Etat and Idealist Perspectives Discussion Questions Further Reading Key Terms Glossary Notes Index

About the Author :
Jeffrey Church is Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  His research is in the history of political thought, and he has published four books, three book-length translations, and many articles and book chapters in prestigious academic outlets.  He is the host of the podcast The Political Theory Review, which keeps listeners up to date on the most recent research in Political Theory.  He is the co-founder of the Association for the History of Political Thought, an academic organization that promotes scholarship in this area of study.

Review :
Jeff Church provides an invaluable introduction to the major themes and problems of contemporary political theory.  His Socratic approach of weighing the pros and cons of every argument will make this a truly useful classroom guide.  This is a book that can be read with profit by both students and their teachers. Jeffrey Church has undertaken the daunting task of synthesizing in plain language some of history’s most difficult, yet essential, ideas about the nature of political thinking, institutions, and reasoning. Through appealing examples, provoking questions, and impeccably organized chapters, the book confronts the fundamental questions of political theory. It’s an outstanding introduction to the major issues in the field -- highly recommended!  Jeffrey Church’s book is a masterpiece that in a conversational manner teaches students about the main themes, concepts, figures, and books in the history of political theory. As long-time host of The Political Theory Review, Church knows about the latest developments in the field, and his textbook helps teachers and students understand and participate in the most urgent debates about justice, democracy, freedom of speech, and international relations. An excellent introductory text. It strikes a perfect balance between informing newcomers about the classic works in the field and using their contributions to provoke readers’ own thinking.