Includes bibliographical references and index.

Machine generated contents note: Part I. The Nature and Origin of Political Philosophy: 1. What philosophy is; 2. The origin of philosophy; 3. The nature of politics; 4. The origin of political philosophy; Part II. The Problem of Political Philosophy: 5. The best city; 6. Moderation; Part III. The Permutations of Political Philosophy: 7. Ancient and medieval political philosophy; 8. A kind of betrayal; 9. Modern political philosophy and post-modern thought; 10. Ancients and moderns; Epilogue.

"This book by Richard G. Stevens is a comprehensive introduction to the nature of political philosophy. It offers definitions of philosophy and politics, showing the tension between the two and the origin of political philosophy as a means of resolution of that tension. Plato and Aristotle are examined in order to see the search for the best political order. Inquiry is then made into political philosophy's new tension brought about by the growth of revealed religion in the Middle Ages. It then examines the changes introduced by modernity and gives an overview of postmodern political thought. The book covers the most influential philosophers and directs readers to the classics of political philosophy, guiding them in studying them. It is an approachable introduction to a complex subject, not just a history of it. It is a point of entry into the subject for students and for others as well"-- Provided by publisher.