Political thought since 1945

Political Thought since 1945 is the first history of the political ideas of the recent period. It provides for a new generation of readers clear and accurate accounts of the views of seven major thinkers: Arendt, Dahl, Habermas, Hayek, Macpherson, Oakeshott and Rawls. Each one is placed in a context of comment and criticism. In addition a long introductory chapter sets out the ideas of other thinkers so that the ambient controversy and conversation is made plain. Politics as philosophy, as social science and as ideology are all considered. The search for a valid form of enquiry is shown to be a continuing preoccupation through the period. There was frequent evidence of the delayed recognition and influence of political writers, and so this book will provide illumination for years to come. Lucid and reliable, this guide to recent political thought will be indispensable for generations of students.