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Political Science History & Theory

Rulers and Ruled

An Introduction to Classical Political Theory

by (author) Irving M. Zeitlin

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Dec 1996
Category
History & Theory, Political
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802078773
    Publish Date
    Dec 1996
    List Price
    $37.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442679498
    Publish Date
    Oct 2003
    List Price
    $45
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442690752
    Publish Date
    Dec 1996
    List Price
    $29.95

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Description

This book illuminates several timeless principles of political philosophy that have come down to us through the ages in the writings of Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and the authors of the Federalist Papers, Madison, Hamilton, and Jay. Among these principles are the following: that a good society is based on law; that a good constitution balances social classes against each other; that a mixed constitution is best for this purpose; that popular sovereignty is the best foundation for a just and stable constitution; and that representative government is best for a large, complex society.

In this valuable and accessibly written guide to the fundamentals of political thought, Irving Zeitlin shows that certain thinkers have given us insights that rise above historical context - 'trans-historical principles' that can provide the political scientist with an element of foresight, an ability not to predict events but to anticipate a certain range of possibilities. While the historian studies unique and unrepeatable circumstances such as those, for example, that gave rise to Julius Caesar, the political theorist, using these trans-historical principles, recognizes the conditions that can lead to Caesarism.

Zeitlin draws on an unusual depth of knowledge, offering a lucid, interesting, and memorable summation of his chosen classic texts, in a work that will appeal strongly to his intended audience at the undergraduate level.

About the author

Irving M. Zeitlin is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto.

Irving M. Zeitlin's profile page

Editorial Reviews

'A very useful guide for the beginner in political theory, or for someone who just wants a refresher course in the Great Ideas. Zeitlin ... offers an accessible account of the principals of political theory ... and its major practitioners, such as the Greeks, Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau and the authors of the Federalist Papers.'

The Globe and Mail