But it is a large topic, so perhaps any introduction would be considered 'short.' The best of these VSI books feel like taking a university module in the subject and this is up there with the best that I have read - offering a very clear and concise introduction to some difficult concepts. Very short, very clear, very fair. Phenomenology is commonly understood in either of two ways: as adisciplinary field in philosophy, or as a movement in the history ofphilosophy.The discipline of phenomenology may be defined initially as thestudy of structures of experience, or consciousness. He c, David Miller, Professor of Political Theory at Oxford provides us with a concise summary of the main strands of political philosophy, chronologiaccly starting with a painting by Lorenzetti illustrating "The Allegory of Good and Bad Government". Everyone would benefit from reading these books to broaden their knowledge and understanding in diverse areas of life. One day I forgot to take Cortázar's Hopscotch with me to work; thankfully, I always have a backup book in my bag. This book was for a course in school, wouldn't reccommend. Very Short Introductions Introduces African politics, providing an overview of the different states and their systems Explores the contemporary and historical influences on African politics, such as colonialism Explains how regional identity often dominates politics in Africa It definitely lays out some views of political philosophy, but sometimes I thought the author leaned one way and at other times he seemed to lean the other way. Miller does a very good job at introducing the 'bread-and-butter' of political philosophy in this concise and well-written book. Philosophy. What does it all mean? This course is intended as an introduction to political philosophy as seen through an examination of some of the major texts and thinkers of the Western political tradition. Intended as an introduction to postcolonialism for the general reader, the book is written in a highly accessible style and unorthodox format, mixing history with fiction, cultural analysis with moments of poetic intensity that … What role should ordinary citizens play in a democracy? Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published It asks such questions as: Is it really true that what governments do profoundly affects the quality of our lives? but I think the book did a great job of presenting an introduction to PP. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. The brevity of the book precludes an in-depth engagement with a lot of interesting topics, but Miller nonetheless does a good job to mention the fact that there is an ongoing discussion about one or more topics without. Presenting globalization in accessible language as a multifaceted process encompassing global, regional, and local aspects of social life, this VSI looks at its causes and effects, examines whether it is a new phenomenon, and explores the question of whether, ultimately, globalization … He employs an Italian fresco painted by Lorenzetti in the 14th century as a heuristic to help illustrate the essential elements of political philosophy. Official Fellow, Nuffield College, Oxford democracy, There was surprisingly little thought devoted to the concept of rights, while there was a predictably long section devoted to social justice. 2003 Responsibility and Justice in Situations of Partial Compliance" in Responsibility and Distributive Justice (2011) on Oxford Scholarship Online, "Nationalism" in The Oxford Handbook of Political Theory (2008) on Oxford Handbooks Online. Also, I could have used less of the author's opinions (I wanted a basic text on the political philosophies without commentary). An example that comes to mind is how he deals with anarchism in the chapter on 'authority' and how statism is nowadays taken for granted (including why Miller believes this is a good thing). However, David Miller does a reasonable job...covering off: I have read a few other books in this series from OUP (Geography, History, and one on Jurgen Habermas, which was excellent), so I was pleased when I found Miller’s book. He comes down firmly on the side of democracy and western values, but he does look at the limits of government too, nationally and globally with the nation state somewhat under threat. Language not the simplest, but enough to understand and not feel this is beginners' level. Professor of Political Theory, University of Oxford. If you have purchased a print title that contains an access token, please see the token for information about how to register your code. Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction introduces the concepts of political philosophy — authority, democracy, freedom and its limits, justice, feminism, multiculturalism, and nationality. My own political views were sometimes in conflict with the author's statements, but I think that is the nature of politics. I was reading it in the historical Vienna, in hights of the Swiss Alps St.Morris, and finally finished reading it on the plane heading to Newyork. Didn't hold my interest and didn't seam to have a purpose but then I'm a thriller reader and practical man. Moving from government by divinity to government by the people by way of the Renaissance, he examines views about anarchism, liberty, social justice via thinkers such as Hobbes, Rousseau and Marx and of course the ancients such as Plato and Socrates. He employs an Italian fresco painted by Lorenzetti in the 14th century as a heuristic to help illustrate the essential elements of political philosophy. Born in 1926 in France, over the course of his life he dabbled in drugs, politics, and the Paris SM scene, all whilst striving to understand the deep concepts of identity, knowledge, and power. Though, important to condense such a large topic, there were a lot of word choices and descriptions that belittled the fields of social psychology and psychology and frequently conflated the two without having a solid and contemporary understanding of the two areas. Miller is very frank about the imprint his own ideas has on the book, despite his intent of writing a balanced introduction to the field. We’d love your help. What i hope for would be headings under each chapters to make points easier to understand. Good introduction. A solid overview, though it seems like an impossible project: we go to these books to get a basic understanding of a broad topic but they often just leave us more confused. It asks such questions as: Is it really true that what governments do profoundly affects the quality of our lives? The course is based on the second edition, but was updated slightly to be suitable for those with the third edition as well. This really comes to the fore in the chapter on cosmopolitanism and global justice, which is done away with a bit too easily in my opinion. It looks at 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. I enjoyed the author's musings on the meanings of words like justice and freedom and government and democracy. Learn more about Montesquieu’s life and work. Before you think about getting your hands on this (don’t) - I highly recommend read the other 2 star reviews. Although short, the Introductions are substantial in content. [2] This is a curious fate for a writer of genius who was also the authorof a book entitled A Philosophical Enquiry. For a book written by an Englishman some 15 years ago, it seems incredible fair exceptionally pertaining to its discussion on democracy and human rights. Political philosophy, as distinct from the study of political and administrative organization, is more theoretical and normative than descriptive. From Plato to Foucault, we break down the main ideas in philosophical thought. It is distressing. A fairly simple walkthrough of some of the foundational questions and arguments in Political Philosophy. A precocious schoolchild, Marx studied lawin Bonn and Berlin, and then wrote a PhD thesis in Philosophy,comparing the views of Democritus and Epicurus. Despite its small size, it took me more than one year to read it. If you are someone who reads the news or listens to political commentary every day, you already know pretty much everything in the book. Lecture 24 - In Defense of Politics Overview. I think this book is only good for someone who is completely unfamiliar with the political philosophy and thus does not mind an one-sided description of the topic. Access to the complete content on Very Short Introductions online requires a subscription or purchase. Secondly, it’s written in prose that is completely unpretentious, unpatronising and clear. In turn it influenced the later independence and civil rights movements , especially those led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela . Start by marking “Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction” as Want to Read: Error rating book. : a very short introduction to philosophy, Thomas Nagel In this cogent and accessible introduction to philosophy, the distinguished author of Mortal Questions and The View From Nowhere sets forth the central problems of philosophical inquiry for the beginning student. It compares the obstacles facing them, and the processes that shape their lives, their families, and their futures. It was fun to make notes while reading. I don't like sports, so I need something to think about!). (1872) Born May 18 at Ravenscroft in Trelleck, Monmouthshire,UK. (1874) Death of mother and sister. The political philosophy most closely associated with modern India is the one of ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha, popularised by Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian struggle for independence. In this case it was David Miller's VSI to. Which brings me to another point. human rights, Montesquieu, French political philosopher whose principal work, The Spirit of Laws, was a major contribution to political theory. These perennial issues include answers to questions like: what are the differences between legitimate political authority and tyranny; what is the relationship between government and its citizens; what is the nature of justice? He becameacademically established during the 1960s, holding a series ofpositions at French universities, before his election in 1969 to theultra-prestigious Collège de France, where he was Professor ofthe History of Systems of Thought until his death. First of all, it’s very, very short. ‘Why do we need political philosophy?’ examines the three ideas that stand at its very heart: that good and bad government profoundly affect the quality of human lives; that the form our government takes is not predetermined: we have a choice to make; and that we can know what distinguishes good government from bad: we can trace the effects of different forms of government, … Do states need to be able to coerce their subjects if they are to have political authority? If you are someone who reads the news or listens to political commentary every day, you already know pretty much everything in the book. T. H. Green (2006) on Oxford Scholarship Online, Understanding Liberal Democracy: Essays in Political Philosophy (2012) on Oxford Scholarship Online, Market, State, and Community (1990) on Oxford Scholarship Online, National Responsibility and Global Justice (2007) on Oxford Scholarship Online, On Nationality (1997) on Oxford Scholarship Online, Philosophy and Ideology in Hume's Political Thought (1981) on Oxford Scholarship Online, Pluralism, Justice, and Equality (1995) on Oxford Scholarship Online, "Equality of Opportunity and the Family" in Toward a Humanist Justice (2009) on Oxford Scholarship Online, "Justice and Global Inequality" in Inequality, Globalization, and World Politics (1999) on Oxford Scholarship Online, "Multiculturalism and the welfare state: Theoretical reflections" in Multiculturalism and the Welfare State (2006) on Oxford Scholarship Online, "Secession and the Principle of Nationality" in National Self-Determination and Secession (1998) on Oxford Scholarship Online, "Social Justice and Environmental Goods1" in Fairness and Futurity (1999) on Oxford Scholarship Online, "Taking Up the Slack? I feel this book oversimplified where it wasn't necessary. social contract, There are presently over 500 small books covering a very wide range of subjects. Also, while Miller does attempt to bring up alternative theories, he rarely explains their rationale in details and is very quick to dismiss them. Verified Purchase. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. civil Disobedience, We”, The Oxford Very Short Introductions Series, Very Short Introductions: Government & Politics, New African American Histories and Biographies to Read Now. A short and interesting book about the philosophical basis of politics, a subject that consumes a great deal of my thinking (hey, give me a break! The book focuses on political philosophy from Hobbes to the present with a brief nod to Plato. It is inevitably related to general philosophy and is itself a subject of cultural anthropology, sociology, and the sociology of knowledge. `[The Very Short Introduction to Philosophy] shows that philosophy really can be fascinating, broad-minded and full of surprise. Moving from government by divinity to government by the people by way of the Renaissance, he examines views about anarchism, liberty, social justice via thinkers such as Hobbes, Rousseau and Marx and of course the ancients such as Plato and Socrates. The author's analysis of various theories and concepts is succinct and interesting and his own views are compelling. It inspired the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Constitution of the United States. Welcome back. It is an over-simplistic book even for a short introduction. I don't quite know how to assess this book. Short, engrossing & highly appealing. It is an over-simplistic book even for a short introduction. There was surprisingly little thought devoted to the concept of rights, while there was a predictably long section devoted to social justice. I started reading this book in Vienna last year. It’s the kind of book you could read in an evening, but at the same time you’d really have a flavour of what philosophy is. These perennial issues include answers to questions like: what are the differences between legitimate political authority and tyranny; what is the relationship between governmen. Scruton covers a lot of ground, from the Greeks and Romans through Aquinas and Dante, allow the way … Very clear introduction to political philosophy, and the author makes very valid points. (1876) Death of father; Russell’s grandfather, Lord JohnRussell (the former Prime Minister), and grandmother succeed inoverturning Russell’s father’s will to win custody ofRussell and his brother, rather than have them raised asfree-thinkers. Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions #97), David Miller This book introduces readers to the concepts of political philosophy - authority, democracy, freedom and its limits, justice, feminism, multiculturalism, and nationality. In A Very Short Introduction to Politics, Kenneth Minogue 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 … Goodread.The author approached Sphere of Justice in various brief aspects.As he claimed, modern politics is much more complicated than Lorenzetti allegory of good and bad government. Overall, not much that I didn't already know, but at times like these--when my country is going through the convulsions of a national election for President--it's good to refresh my thinking with regards to the philosophical underpinnings of my politics. I guess it is always a little problematic to take a book like this which has in its title "A very short introduction" and expect to get a good grasp of a subject by reading the 130 pages. For questions on access or troubleshooting, please check our FAQs, and if you can't find the answer there, please contact us. This final lecture of the course is given “in defense of politics.” First, the idea and definition of “politics” and the “political” are discussed with reference to the ideas of Immanuel Kant and twentieth-century political scientists, novelists, and philosophers such as Bernard Crick, E. M. Forster, and Carl Schmitt. I remain a conservative in a day and age when what passes for conservatism has become some kind of vulgar cartoon. Globalization: A Very Short Introduction looks at the interconnected and accelerated processes changing how we see and experience the world. 2021. David Miller is professor of political theory and official fellow, Nuffield College, Oxford. The introduction has a memorable summary of the goals of political philosophy and defense of the discipline. Literally,phenomenology is the A useful introduction to the main questions & points of contention in political philosophy. political Philosophy, Ethics: A Very Short Introduction Simon Blackburn Very Short Introductions. Is globalization really a new phenomenon? I don't like sports, so I need something to think about!). I wouldn't necessarily call this a *very* short introduction, as the title suggests. “We need political authority, then, because it gives us the security that allows us to trust other people, and in a climate of trust people are able to cooperate to produce all those benefits that Hobbes listed as signally lacking in the ‘natural condition’.”, “his real point is that in the climate of fear that would follow the breakdown of authority, the kinder, more trusting, side of human nature would be obliterated. We are made by history.” So, this January, as we celebrate Martin Luther King... To see what your friends thought of this book, Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction, Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions #97), David Miller. Can be used as a good supplement/reading material to get students interested in those arguments. Please subscribe or login to access full text content. 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