Author Description
Providing the general reader and the student with an introduction to the central issues of political science, A Very Short Introduction to Politics shows how political trends and maneuvers develop and how they help shape our society. Kenneth Minogue, with his lively and popular style, begins with a discussion of issues arising from a historical account of politics, and goes on to offer chapters dealing with the Ancient Greeks and the idea of citizenship; Roman law; medieval Christianity and individualism; freedom since Machiavelli and Hobbes; the challenge of ideologies; democracy, oligarchy, and bureaucracy; power and order in modern society; and politics in the West. Readable and pithy, this entertaining introduction is perfect for anyone looking for an accessible overview of the subject.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the fundamental nature of politics, questioning how political activity shapes human society and the evolution of the state. Kenneth Minogue, a noted political theorist, utilizes a historical and philosophical framework to examine the development of political thought from antiquity to the modern era. He argues that politics is not merely a set of administrative procedures but a complex human activity defined by the pursuit of order, power, and individual freedom.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Historical analysis of political evolution from Ancient Greece to modern Western societies
- Examination of key concepts including citizenship, law, individualism, and ideology
- Discussion of the tension between democracy, oligarchy, and bureaucracy
Scope Limits
- Does not provide a comprehensive global survey of non-Western political systems
- Avoids technical jargon in favor of a broad, conceptual overview of political theory
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and readers frequently cite this work as a highly accessible entry point for students and general readers interested in political theory. The prose is noted for its pithy, engaging style that manages to distill complex historical developments into a concise format.
Page Count:
144
Publication Date:
1995-12-07
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192853090
ISBN-13:
9780192853097
Politics
Philosophy
History
Non-Fiction
Government
Community Tags
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