Synopses & Reviews
In this thought-provoking study, Neal Wood challenges the conception of political theory as a lofty discipline remote from the world of real politics. Drawing on the examples of thinkers from Plato to those of the 19th Century, he attempts to define political theory by examining the nature of the state and politics, by identifying the major characteristics that their theories share and by analyzing the conditions that have favored their creation.
About the Author
Neal Wood is Professor Emeritus and Senior Scholar since 1988.
Table of Contents
Preface Questions and Problems PART I: DEFINING POLITICAL THEORY State and Politics Character of Political Theory Conditions Favouring Theory PART II: STUDYING POLITICAL THEORY Philosophical Mode of Analysis Historical Mode of Analysis Marxism and the Historical Mode of Analysis Afterword: Toward the Future Notes Index
Part I: Defining Political Theory * State and Politics * Character of Political Theory * Conditions Favoring Theory * Part II: Studying Political Theory * Philosophical Mode of Analysis * Historical Mode of Analysis * Marxism and the Historical Mode of Analysis * Afterword: Toward the Future