This book introduces readers to the concepts of political philosophy. It starts by explaining why the subject is important and how it tackles basic ethical questions such as `how should we live together in society?` It looks at political authority, the reasons why we need politics at all, the limitations of politics, and whether there are areas of life that shouldn`t be governed by politics. It explores the connections between political authority and justice, a constant theme in political philosophy, and the ways in which social justice can be used to regulate rather than destroy a market economy. David Miller discusses why nations are the natural units of government and whether the rise of multiculturalism and transnational co-operation will change this: will we ever see the formation of a world government?

Table of Contents:
1: Why do we need political philosophy?
2: Political Authority
3: Democracy
4: Freedom and the Limits of Politics
5: Justice
6: Feminism and Multiculturalism
7: Nations, States, and Global Justice

Author Information:
David Miller, Professor of Political Theory, University of Oxford. Official Fellow, Nuffield College, Oxford