Engaging Political Philosophy

Robert B. Talisse is W. Alton Jones Professor of Philosophy, Professor of Political Science, and Chairperson of the Philosophy Department at Vanderbilt University. His research specialization is political philosophy, with special focus on democratic theory.

"Robert Talisse's Engaging Political Philosophy is an insightful and intelligent introduction to contemporary political philosophy. Written in a personable and conversational style, it takes the reader on a balanced and perceptive tour of the field. The key positions and concepts in political philosophy are presented with clarity and precision. Most importantly, it does this without disengaging political philosophy from the real world. Talisse has given us one of the best introductions on the subject in recent years."Kok-Chor Tan, University of Pennsylvania, USA"In this terrific introduction to political philosophy, Robert Talisse succeeds in making complex philosophical ideas clear and accessible. Anyone wishing to learn about the discipline would do well to turn to it. As the title suggests, this is an engaging work."Corey Brettschneider, Brown University, USA"Engaging Political Philosophy is a fabulous introduction to the subject that not only teaches students philosophy, but how to think philosophically. Talisse provides a wonderfully lucid and engaging guide that will benefit anyone with an interest in political philosophy."Thom Brooks, Durham University, UK"In limpid prose Talisse distills the essence of very important and complex debates in political philosophy around the central notions of freedom, authority, justice, and democracy. The book is as engaging as the title promises, while maintaining a high standard of philosophical integrity. A must read."Helene Landemore, Yale University, USA"Engaging Political Philosophy approaches classic topics as open-ended, unresolved, and important problems, demonstrating by example ways that philosophical methods and expertise lead us to consider new possibilities and solutions to our most familiar political challenges. The book's systematic integration of the vast range of ideas informing contemporary political philosophy illuminated my own understanding of the field and provides new tools that I'm excited to use in teaching these topics in the future."Melissa Yates, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA

• Preface. Part 1: Setting the Task. 1. Some Preliminary Considerations. 2. Beginning Where We Are. Part 2: Fundamental Concepts. 3. Liberty. 4. Authority. 5. Justice. 6. Democracy. Conclusion: Politics without Certainty