Traditions in Western Political Philosophy

Political philosophy has all of these in its nature

but confines itself mostly to that part of life which is political, or directly connected with politics. It seeks laws of political behaviour and government. It presents man with alternative visions of the good life in the good community. It may also advocate its own vision. It also criticizes the methods by which political scientists seek truths, and proposes better methods of thought and study.

By a basic idea in political science is meant a concept or vision of something important and universal in the political behaviour of men. To state it positively, it is a mental tool that allows man to understand and control the social universe of politics. To put it negatively, it is an idea without which our understanding and control of a host of human relations would suffer.

Behind each basic idea is usually discoverable a man or group of men who developed it and contributed it to the body of political philosophy. The book is useful for the researchers, teachers, and students of different levels.