Political Theory: Traditions in Political Philosophy

Abstract Analyses the development of political philosophy from the 1950s to the present. Challenges the idea that political philosophy declined during the 1950s and 60s, and was revived only by the publication of John Rawls's Theory of Justice. On the contrary, the political philosophy of the 1950s and 60s was rich, and responded to challenges levelled against it by other disciplines. We now see a change in, rather than a revival of, political philosophy. Most recent challenges include the cultural diversity of modern society and a reconsideration of the reflective and normative dimensions of political philosophy.