This student textbook introduces the concept of political theory from various viewpoints, such as justice and the law, government and the state, and equality and human rights. It analyzes the concepts of power, liberty and a series of political principles.
Part 1 Rules, laws and society: philosophy, social science and political theory - Liberal-rationalism, Marxism; law and social control; the state; authority and power. Part 2 Values: political principles - logical positivism and emotivism, universalizability and ethical pluralism, contractarianism, utilitarianism, individualism, Marxism and collectivism; justice - Rawl's theory of justice; equality; liberty - John Stuart Mill and the value of liberty; human rights; the public interest and democracy.
