Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought Serie

This volume makes available to a student readership one of the central texts in the utilitarian tradition, in the authoritative 1977 edition prepared by Professors Burns and Hart as part of Bentham's Collected works.

The new translation offers a clear and contemporary rendition of Plato's dialogue, tailored for students of political thought. It includes an introduction that contextualizes the argument within the evolution of Plato's ideas, providing essential philosophical and historical background. This approach enhances understanding for readers interested in political theory, making the text more accessible and relevant to modern discussions.

One of the most important books of the 'advice-to-princes' published in the Renaissance.

A collection of Marx's important later writings translated and introduced by a leading Marx scholar.

Die »Monarchia« gilt als eines der zentralen staatsphilosophischen Werke des Mittelalters. In diesem versucht Alighieri mit philosophischen Mitteln die Ursachen des politischen Unheils seiner Zeit zu entlarven. So gilt der Inhalt etwa als Reaktion auf den Machtanspruch des Papstes Bonifaz VIII., den dieser in seiner berühmten Bulle »Unam sanctam« zu begründen versuchte. Gleichzeitig möchte der Verfasser der »Göttlichen Komödie« in seiner Politiktheorie die Bedingungen eines gerechten, friedlichen und glücklichen Zusammenlebens aller Menschen auf Grundlage der Bibel aufzeigen. Diese grundlegend kommentierte Studienausgabe beleuchtet neben der Entstehungsgeschichte den geistesgeschichtlichen Kontext des Werks sowie seine Wirkungsgeschichte.

This translation revitalizes Bernstein's seminal argument for democratic socialism, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary political discourse. The work explores the principles of socialism while advocating for a gradual, democratic approach to achieving social justice. Bernstein critiques both authoritarian socialism and unregulated capitalism, offering a nuanced perspective that champions individual freedoms alongside collective welfare. This edition invites new readers to engage with his ideas and their implications for modern society.

A newly translated selection of Marx's early political writings.

Focusing on the debates surrounding capital punishment, this edition highlights Beccaria's influential arguments within the context of Enlightenment political theory. Recognized as a foundational text in criminology, it delves into the principles of justice and the moral implications of punishment, making it a significant contribution to ongoing discussions in the field.

Plato's Statesman is the second of a projected trilogy of dialogues, in which an unnamed stranger sets out to satisfy Socrates' desire for an account of sophist, statesman, and philosopher. (The third was never written.) It includes a clear English translation along with notes and supplementary materials.

Exploring the intricate relationship between church and state, this seventeenth-century treatise delves into the political theories and practices of its time. The author, Lawson, presents a critical examination of governance, authority, and the role of religion in public life. Through a blend of philosophical insights and historical context, the work addresses the challenges of maintaining order and justice in a rapidly changing society. Its relevance resonates in contemporary discussions about the intersection of faith and politics.

A translation of Hegel's classic work of modern social and political thought, Elements of the Philosophy of Right.

Including the works of more than thirty authors, this edition of early Greek writings on social and political issues includes the origin of human society and law; the nature of justice and good government; the distribution of power among genders and social classes.

An English translation of important text in the history of socialism.

Bodin's Six livres de la republique is a vast synthesis of comparative public law and politics, the theoretical core of which is formed by the four chapters translated in this volume.

Statism and Anarchy is a complete English translation of the last work by the great Russian anarchist Michael Bakunin, written in 1873. Then he assails the Marxist alternative, predicting that a 'dictatorship of the proletariat' will in fact be a dictatorship over the proletariat, and will produce a new class of socialist rulers. Instead, he outlines his vision of an anarchist society and identifies the social forces he believes will achieve an anarchist revolution. Statism and Anarchy had an immediate influence on the 'to the people' movement of Russian populism, and Bakunin's ideas inspired significant anarchist movements in Spain, Italy, Russia and elsewhere. In a lucid introduction Marshall Shatz locates Bakunin in his immediate historical and intellectual context, and assesses the impact of his ideas on the wider development of European radical thought. A guide to further reading and chronology of events are also appended as aids to students encountering Bakunin's thought for the first time.

The essays are framed within Thoreau's journey of self-examination and the historical debates surrounding slavery. Nancy L. Rosenblum explores key themes of citizenship and resistance, highlighting Thoreau's lasting impact on political philosophy and activism. Through this analysis, readers gain insight into how Thoreau's ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of civic engagement and social justice.

The book explores Robert Filmer's belief that the Bible holds the complete truth regarding both the world and societal structures. It delves into his arguments for the divine right of kings, asserting that political authority is derived from biblical principles. By examining the intersection of theology and governance, the work invites readers to consider the implications of Filmer's views on authority, morality, and the role of scripture in shaping societal norms.

An accessible and annotated edition of Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France with the first Letter on a Regicide Peace.

The Conquest of Bread is Peter Kropotkin's most detailed description of the ideal society, embodying anarchist communism, and of the social revolution that was to achieve it. Marshall Shatz's introduction traces the evolution of Kropotkin's thought, and the volume also includes a number of his shorter writings.

Focusing on natural law, Samuel Pufendorf's work presents a conventional foundation that emphasizes humanity's inherent need to foster sociability. By rejecting the metaphysical theories of scholasticism, he argues that the principles of natural law arise from social interactions and the need for cooperation among individuals. This approach offers a practical perspective on moral obligations and human relationships, positioning sociability as central to understanding ethical behavior.

Die Beiträge dieses ersten vollständigen Kommentars zu Hegels Rechtsphilosophie verbinden die Auslegung aller wichtigen Textabschnitte mit einer Auswahl unterschiedlicher Deutungsperspektiven der internationalen Hegel-Forschung.

Il libro più scandaloso della filosofia moderna. «La vera “filosofia del martello”, che Nietzsche non sarebbe mai riuscito a praticare, perché troppo irrimediabilmente educato, si compie nelle brevi, tempestanti, offensive frasi che compongono l’Unico». Roberto Calasso

This edition showcases John Knox's pivotal writings that address the theme of rebellion against oppressive rule. It delves into his arguments for resistance and the moral justification of challenging tyranny, reflecting the historical context of the Reformation. Knox's passionate advocacy for religious freedom and governance rooted in justice is central to his work, making this collection essential for understanding his influence on political thought and the fight against despotism.

Ferguson's work presents a complex model of historical progress, emphasizing the importance of active citizenship in modern governance. He critiques the modern commercial society for neglecting civic virtues while drawing insights from classical literature and contemporary travel accounts. Central themes include conflict, political engagement, and military valor, alongside a focus on unintended consequences in historical causality. Ferguson argues for the essential role of individual, public-spirited citizens in shaping a vibrant political community, challenging both Enlightenment thinkers and Rousseau's primitivism.

The political writings of Sir Robert Filmer, a key figure in seventeenth-century patriarchal political theory, are collected in this volume. Filmer's work explores themes of authority, governance, and the nature of power, providing insight into the political landscape of his time. His theories challenge contemporary views on monarchy and individual rights, making this a significant contribution to political thought and discussion on the role of the family in governance.

Jeremy Bentham's work serves as a critical examination of Sir William Blackstone's views on British governance. He highlights the flaws in Blackstone's Commentaries and critiques the British legal system, advocating for the principle of utility. Bentham argues that laws should prioritize the happiness of the majority, challenging Blackstone's endorsement of common law in favor of a more equitable social and legal framework. Through this analysis, Bentham aims to reshape the understanding of law and its purpose in society.

I "Lineamenti di filosofia del diritto" - pubblicati a Berlino nell'ottobre 1820 - rappresentano la summa del pensiero etico-politico di Hegel, l'ultima opera in volume da lui pubblicata, e forse quella che ha più influito nella storia e nel pensiero politico europeo. Con il sottotitolo "Diritto naturale e scienza dello Stato in compendio", il filosofo espone sinteticamente le linee fondamentali del processo dialettico di autodeterminazione dell'Idea, che ha lo scopo di "comprendere concettualmente lo Stato e di esporlo come qualcosa di intimamente razionale".

Includes a translator’s preface, note on the text, and suggestions for further reading.

Scritto contro la tortura e la pena di morte che ebbe enorme fortuna in tutta Europa e nel mondo (Thomas Jefferson e i padri fondatori degli Stati Uniti, che la lessero direttamente in italiano, presero spunto per le nuove leggi americane) e in particolare in Francia, dove incontrò l'apprezzamento entusiastico dei filosofi dell'Encyclopédie, di Voltaire (che ebbe anche una corrispondenza con Beccaria) e dei philosophes più prestigiosi che lo tradussero (la versione francese è opera dell'abate filosofo André Morellet, con le note di Denis Diderot) e lo considerarono come un vero e proprio capolavoro[9]. L'opera fu messa all'Indice dei libri proibiti nel 1766, a causa della distinzione tra peccato e reato.

Annabel Brett's authoritative rendition of the Defensor Pacis was the first new translation in English for fifty years of this classic of western political thought, and includes a chronology, notes for further reading, and up-to-date annotation aimed at the student reader encountering this major text for the first time.

Focusing on John Milton's significant contributions to political thought, this volume features two pivotal texts: "The Tenure of Kings and the Magistrates," a radical defense of regicide, and "A Defence of the People of England," which justifies the Commonwealth's cause to Europe. This edition is notable for its fully annotated versions and a new translation of the latter work. An introduction explores the ideological complexities of Milton's time, complemented by a chronology of his life, a select bibliography, and biographies of key figures mentioned.

Three of Mill's classic texts, On Liberty, The Subjection of Women and the posthumous Chapters on Socialism are brought together in this edition.

This fresh translation of Comte's early writings offers readers a deeper understanding of his philosophical contributions, enriched by scholarly apparatus that contextualizes his work within the historical landscape of his time. It highlights the significance of Comte's ideas and their impact on the development of social science.

John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" are considered to be some of the most important works of western philosophy ever written. In the first treatise Locke disputes the divine right of monarchial rule principle that is put forth in the book "Patriarcha" by Sir Robert Filmer. In the second treatise Locke sets forth the basic principles of natural law that lay the foundation for basic human rights and the government of man. Also contained within this volume is the shorter work, "A Letter Concerning Toleration."

"Fort denn mit jeder Sache, die nicht ganz und gar Meine Sache ist! Ihr meint, Meine Sache müsse wenigstens die »gute Sache« sein? Was gut, was böse! Ich bin ja selber Meine Sache, und Ich bin weder gut noch böse. Beides hat für Mich keinen Sinn." (Max Stirner, Zitat aus dem Anfang von "Der Einzige und sein Eigentum") Max Stirners berühmte Schrift polarisierte seit ihrem Erscheinen. In Teilen Deutschlands zunächst verboten, waren es paradoxerweise häufig seine Gegner, die diese Schrift wieder auflegten, wenn auch nur um Stirners Thesen zu wiederzulegen. Dennoch blieb sein Werk sehr einflussreich; so unterschiedliche Figuren wie Rudolf Steiner, Wilhelm Reich oder Ernst Jünger beziehen sich in ihren Werken auf Stirner. Aus dem Inhalt: Ich hab' Mein Sach' auf Nichts gestellt [Vorbemerkung] Erste Abteilung. Der Mensch I. Ein Menschenleben II. Menschen der alten und der neuen Zeit 1. Die Alten 2. Die Neuen §1. Der Geist §2. Die Besessenen §3. Die Hierarchie 3. Die Freien §1. Der politische Liberalismus §2. Der soziale Liberalismus §3. Der humane Liberalismus Zweite Abteilung. Ich. I. Die Eigenheit II. Der Eigner 1. Meine Macht 2. Mein Verkehr 3. Mein Selbstgenuß III. Der Einzige Max Stirner. Der Einzige und sein Eigentum. Erstdruck: Verlag Otto Wigand, Leipzig 1845. Neuausgabe, durchgesehener Neusatz, LIWI Verlag, Göttingen 2020. LIWI Literatur- und Wissenschaftsverlag

In this edition of Beccaria's On Crimes and Punishments and other writings, Richard Bellamy shows how Beccaria wove together the various political languages of the Enlightenment into a political philosophy that combines republican, contractarian, romantic and liberal as well as utilitarian themes.

The book presents a rigorous analysis that significantly shaped the study of English and American law. Austin's systematic approach brought coherence to a previously chaotic legal profession. Initially recognized only by a select group, including notable figures like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, it gained wider attention posthumously. The work ignited debates over the nature of law, its definition as a command with sanctions, and the distinctions between legal authority, political power, and morality, ultimately leading to its lasting influence and recognition.

This edition presents a compelling 19th-century German critique of left Hegelianism and socialism, highlighting the intellectual tensions of the era. The author argues against prevailing socialist ideas, offering a unique perspective that engages with the philosophical debates of the time. This work serves as a significant historical document, reflecting the ideological struggles and societal concerns of its period, making it an essential read for those interested in political philosophy and the evolution of socialist thought.

Isaiah Berlin introduces a new edition of Joseph de Maistre's Considerations on France (1797), the best known and most eloquent French equivalent of Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France.

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

A comprehensive 1997 anthology of Rousseau's work containing The Social Contract, his most famous single work.

The book critiques socialism by highlighting its shortcomings while advocating for political individualism as a means to ensure social progress. It serves as a valuable resource for both undergraduate students and specialists in various fields, including politics, political theory, social policy, sociology, and history, offering insights into the relationship between individual rights and societal advancement.

With the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, The Federalist is among one of the most important political documents in American history.

Die Voraussetzungen des Sozialismus und die Aufgaben der Sozialdemokratie ist ein unveränderter, hochwertiger Nachdruck der Originalausgabe aus dem Jahr 1899. Hansebooks ist Herausgeber von Literatur zu unterschiedlichen Themengebieten wie Forschung und Wissenschaft, Reisen und Expeditionen, Kochen und Ernährung, Medizin und weiteren Genres. Der Schwerpunkt des Verlages liegt auf dem Erhalt historischer Literatur. Viele Werke historischer Schriftsteller und Wissenschaftler sind heute nur noch als Antiquitäten erhältlich. Hansebooks verlegt diese Bücher neu und trägt damit zum Erhalt selten gewordener Literatur und historischem Wissen auch für die Zukunft bei.

The book offers an in-depth analysis of the political landscape of Florence during Guicciardini's era. Through a dialogue format, it explores the complexities of governance, providing insights into the political dynamics and challenges of the time. This English translation makes a significant historical text accessible to a broader audience, highlighting Guicciardini's critical examination of power and politics.

Richard Hooker, a key figure in the intellectual history of the Church of England, is explored in this selection from Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity. Professor McGrade highlights Hooker's significant politico-religious project, emphasizing its relevance beyond merely defending the Elizabethan religious settlement. This edition, based on the authoritative Folger version, focuses on essential sections of The Laws that illuminate Hooker's broader objectives and contextual significance in sixteenth-century Protestantism.

Burke's intellectual breadth appeals to a diverse audience, attracting both conservatives and liberals alike. His ability to navigate and transcend traditional boundaries in thought makes him a significant figure in philosophical discourse, valued for his insights across the political spectrum.

Cary Nederman's 1991 edition and translation of the Policraticus by John of Salisbury (c.1115-1180), the foremost political theorist of his age.

This edition includes two important texts illustrating Kants's view of history along with notes and a comprehensive bibliography.

Composta da Nietzsche nell’estate del 1887 e pubblicata agli inizi dell’inverno di quello stesso anno, la Genealogia della morale nacque come «scritto polemico», presentandosi all’insegna di una consapevole provocazione. Alcune delle più controverse teorie sociali di Nietzsche, come per esempio la contrapposizione fra morale dei signori e morale del gregge, vengono ampiamente esposte e argomentate in queste pagine. Ma ogni riferimento sociale rimarrebbe opaco se non lo si connettesse al suo presupposto metafisico: l’indagine sull’«origine dei nostri pregiudizi morali» presuppone l’interrogativo sull’« origine del male», a cui Nietzsche dichiara di essersi dedicato sin dal suo «primo giuoco d’infanzia letterario»: «a quel tempo, ebbene, com’è logico, resi l’onore a Dio e feci di lui il padre del male». Nietzsche sapeva benissimo che questo suo scritto sarebbe suonato «urtante all’orecchio». Ma sapeva anche che, nella sua epoca come nella nostra, questo è inevitabile per ogni ricerca che metta radicalmente in questione la bontà dei buoni sentimenti e si offra quale amaro antidoto alle perorazioni di coloro che «a quel che pretendono non danno il nome di rivalsa, bensì di ‘trionfo della giustizia’». In quanto tale, con tutte le sue contraddizioni e dolorose tensioni, la Genealogia della morale rimane un saggio prezioso.

Exploring foundational political concepts, this collection features Mill's influential Essay on Government alongside essays addressing rights protection, the significance of education, the role of a free press, the secret ballot, and government punishment for rights violations. These writings showcase Mill's contributions to modern political thought and his advocacy for individual liberties and democratic principles.

Focusing on the political writings of a key figure in the French Enlightenment, this volume includes significant articles from the Encyclopedie, complete texts of Diderot's "Supplement au Voyage de Bougainville" and "Observations sur le Nakaz," both newly translated into English, along with numerous contributions to Raynal's "Histoire des Deux Indes." The editors provide an insightful introduction that contextualizes these works, highlighting their essential characteristics and interconnected themes.

This book, first published in 1996, was the first new translation for forty years of Dante's Monarchy, a fascinating work of political theory by one of the world's great poets. Prue Shaw's translation is accompanied by an introduction and notes which provide a complete guide to the text, and place Monarchy in the context of Dante's life and work.

Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, this work reveals Richard Baxter's candid reflections on his support for Parliament and the Cromwellian Protectorate. Written in 1659, it became highly controversial, leading to Baxter's public repudiation and its inclusion in a notorious book-burning by Oxford University in 1683. The scandal has often overshadowed its significance, making it a key text for understanding the tensions within Puritan thought during a tumultuous period in English history.

Focusing on the pivotal role of James Harrington in political theory, this volume features his key writings from the period of the Cromwellian Protectorate to the Restoration. His influential work, The Commonwealth of Oceana, presents a fictionalized account of English history and advocates for republicanism after the monarchy's fall. In A System of Politics, he builds on his earlier ideas to outline a comprehensive political philosophy. Professor Pocock's introduction highlights Harrington's significance in English political thought, complemented by a chronology of his life and further reading suggestions.

A wide-ranging 1994 collection of Gramsci's pre-prison writings which reveals the genesis of much of his later innovatory work.

Max Weber (1864-1920) is generally known as a founder of modern social science. The texts in this edition span his career and illustrate the development of his political thinking on the fate of Germany and the nature of politics in the modern western state and an age of cultural 'disenchantment'.

De Maistres Erklärung in der Revolution liege etwas Teuflisches, bildet den Kern seiner Überlegungen. Die Revolution, die nicht von großen Tätern, sondern von Automaten und Somnambulen vorangetrieben wird, ist die Züchtigung eines von Schuld befleckten Landes. Das 1796 in Lausanne erschienene Buch wurde rasch zu einem Brevier der Gegenrevolution. Die Neuausgabe wurde von Günter Maschke, Carl Schmitt- und Donoso Cortés-Forscher von internationalem Renommée, kommentiert und mit einer Bibliographie ausgestattet.

A revised translation of Condorcet's view of progress across history and his prophetic writings on women, slavery, freedom and revolution.

Exploring foundational principles of political philosophy, this complete edition combines two of Locke's influential treatises on governance. It delves into the nature of human rights, the social contract, and the justification of government authority, emphasizing the importance of individual liberty and the rule of law. Locke's arguments laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought, making this collection essential for understanding the evolution of political theory and the role of government in society.

This edition provides an historically sensitive translation of Pufendorf's On the Duty of Man and Citizen (1673).

Francisco Vitoria work has been translated here into English.

The dialogue structure of Court Maxims offers a dynamic exploration of government principles and political practices, reflecting Algernon Sidney's radical republican ideals during his exile. This recently rediscovered manuscript, written before his execution in 1683 for opposing Charles II, provides crucial insights into the international dimensions of 17th-century republican thought. Its vivid discussions contribute significantly to understanding the republican tradition amidst the backdrop of absolutism, making it an essential text for scholars of early modern political theory.

The Province of Jurisprudence Determined (1832) is a classic of nineteenth- century English jurisprudence, a subject on which Austin had a profound impact. This edition includes a comprehensive introduction, bibliography and biographical synopses of the principal figures mentioned in the text.

Михаил Александрович Бакунин (1814–1876) – видный философ и общественный деятель, один из основателей и идеологов анархизма, ярчайшая звезда на небосклоне европейского революционного движения. М. А. Бакунин прожил удивительную, полную идейных поисков жизнь: он участвовал в восстаниях в Праге, Дрездене и Польше; провел несколько лет в ссылке в Сибири; встречался с выдающимися людьми своего времени – Марксом, Гарибальди, Герценом, Тургеневым. Провозгласив, что его "отечество – всемирная революция", Бакунин выступал против порабощения народа бюрократическим аппаратом и обосновывал необходимость бунта "против организованного грабежа и утеснения – против государства". Так на свет появилась "Государственность и анархия" – манифест анархизма и основа бакунинского учения о возможности перестройки жизни на началах свободы, равенства и справедливости.