Interpreting Modern Political Philosophy

'An intelligently conceived and well executed volume that will be invaluable to students trying to get to grips with some of the vast interpretative literature on the major figures in modern political theory.' - John Horton, Keele University 'A valuable tool for those teaching political philosophy.' - William Postiglione, Perspectives on Political Science

The interpretive literature in the history of political thought is now vast, complex and esoteric, posing as much a barrier to the understanding of the undergraduate student as it offers assistance.The interpretive literature in the history of political thought is now vast, complex and esoteric, posing as much a barrier to the understanding of the undergraduate student as it offers assistance. This unique and innovative text provides the student with a guide through this maze of argument. Each chapter sets out the major positions and debates that surround the texts of key thinkers, analyzes major problems of interpreting them, examines the sources of disagreement, and evaluates the different interpretations in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and contributions to scholarship.