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Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Print Price: $54.99

Format:
Paperback
296 pp.
171 mm x 246 mm

ISBN-13:
9780198783275

Copyright Year:
2021

Imprint: OUP UK


Introducing Political Philosophy

A Policy-Driven Approach

Will Abel, Elizabeth Kahn, Tom Parr and Andrew Walton

Offering a unique inside-out approach, Introducing Political Philosophy is the only text to showcase contemporary policy problems through the lens of key debates in political philosophy.

Introducing Political Philosophy is a thought-provoking introduction that invites readers to consider and analyse the philosophical controversies that underpin several prominent areas of political debate.

The opening chapter familiarises students with the aims and methods of political philosophy. It explains the tools required to practice the discipline, and discusses how to apply these to political arguments. Each of the fifteen subsequent chapters focuses on a distinct area of public policy, such as affirmative action, humanitarian intervention, immigration, and parental leave. The authors introduce students to the moral questions that lie at the heart of these political disputes, as well as to some of the relevant academic literature.

The authors believe that the best way to learn about political philosophy is to see it in action. By arguing for a position in each chapter and defending it against criticisms, they demonstrate to students how political philosophy can inform our analysis of public policy.

Readership : Undergraduates studying modules on political theory or political philosophy.

1. Doing Political Philosophy
2. Euthanasia and Freedom
3. Hate Speech and Freedom of Expression
4. Recreational Drugs and Paternalism
5. Affirmative Action and Discrimination
6. Schools and Equality of Opportunity
7. Basic Income and Distributive Justice
8. Parental Leave and Gender Equality
9. Minority Exemptions and Multiculturalism
10. Judicial Review and Democracy
11. Prison Sentences and Punishment
12. Intensive Animal Farming and Moral Status
13. Environmental Taxes and Intergenerational Justice
14. Immigration and the Political Community
15. Development Aid and Global Justice
16. Humanitarian Intervention and Political Self-Determination

Instructor Resources
- Discussion and debate seminar activities
- Guidance on using teaching activities
- Teaching guide
- PowerPoint slides
Student Resources
- Curated list of websites
- Self-test questions

Mr Will Abel is a Senior Economist at the Bank of England, and he works on labour markets, housing, and consumer spending.

Dr Elizabeth Kahn is an Assistant Professor in Political Theory in the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University, and she researches the relationship between structural injustices and the obligations of individuals.

Dr Tom Parr is an Associate Professor in Political Theory in the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, and he researches issues relating to egalitarianism, economic justice, and the future of work.

Dr Andrew Walton is a Senior Lecturer in the Politics Department at Newcastle University, and he researches issues in trade justice, economics ethics, and housing policy.

Making Sense - Margot Northey
An Introduction to Political Philosophy - Jonathan Wolff
Issues in Political Theory - Catriona McKinnon, Patrick Tomlin and Robert Jubb
Ethics and World Politics - Edited by Dr. Duncan Bell
Contemporary Political Philosophy - Will Kymlicka

Special Features

  • Demonstrates the importance of political philosophy by connecting disputes about public policy to philosophical ideas.
  • An accessible and comprehensive text that introduces readers to a wide array of major topics in political philosophy.
  • Written by an expert team of authors, this engaging and thought-provoking introduction to political philosophy is designed for students who are taking their first steps in the discipline.
  • Also available as an e-book with functionality, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support.