Contemporary political philosophy an introduction

This edition of Will Kymlicka's best selling critical introduction to contemporary political theory has been fully revised to include many of the most significant developments in Anglo-American political philosophy in the last 11 years, particularly the new debates on political liberalism, deliberative democracy, civic republicanism, nationalism and cultural pluralism. The book now includes two new chapters on citizenship theory and multiculturalism, in addition to updated chapters on utilitarianism, liberal egalitarianism, libertarianism, socialism, communitarianism, and feminism. The many thinkers discussed include G. A. Cohen, Ronald Dworkin, William Galston , Carol Gilligan, R. M. Hare, Catherine Mackinnon, David Miller, Philippe Van Parijs, Susan Okin, Robert Nozick, John Rawls, John Roemer, Michael Sandel, Charles Taylor, Michael Walzer, and Iris Young. Extended guides to further reading have been added at the end of each chapter, listing the most important books and articles on each school of thought, as well as relevant journals and websites.Covering some of the most advanced contemporary thinking, Will Kymlicka writes in an engaging, accessible, and non-technical way to ensure the book is suitable for readers approaching these concepts for the first time. This second edition promises to build on the original edition's success as a key text in the teaching of modern political theory. … (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member steve.clason

I'm mostly ignorant of political philosophy and snagged this from my daughter after she finished a university class. Though at time I'm frustrated by an even-handedness that seems to forbid conslusions, this is a thorough, systematic review of what people are talking about and helped me quickly get

up to speed so I could go on to original sources.

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LibraryThing member thcson

The author starts by explaining why equality and ethics are the key parts of modern political philosophy. He then presents utilitarianism as the historical source and counterpoint of most modern political philosophy. Then he proceeds to actual modern theories such as liberalism, libertarianism,

marxism, communitarianism etc. with well-balanced and seemingly fair assessments. This book should suit beginners perfectly and more advanced practitioners would also spend their time well re-reading it, as I did. I don't know of any other overview of contemporary political philosophy which would match the depth of this book and still be an accessible and clear introduction to the field.

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LibraryThing member wonderperson

Unjust philosophies of Justice, Will Kymlica is a demanding read because he has fanatical attention to detail.

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