Political philosophy and the history of political thought since c.1890

This paper explores some of the central texts and key ideas of twentieth and twenty-first century political thought, looking at both analytical concepts and their historical contexts and evolution. It  provides the opportunity to trace the development of political ideas into the twentieth century and further into contemporary political philosophy. This includes many ideas that students will have encountered in other  contexts – freedom, democracy, revolution, equality, international relations and global justice – as well as some that may be new or less familiar – for  instance, ecology, punishment or welfare. It also provides an opportunity to explore the history of political thought and political philosophy more generally, and to consider what studying politics historically or theoretically brings to our understanding of politics in practice.

The paper is divided into two parts. Section A covers important thinkers in the history of twentieth-century political thought; Section B focuses on significant traditions and debates in political philosophy and the history of political thought. In both sections, students are expected to engage closely with primary texts written by the thinkers under consideration whilst also considering the historical context and significance of their work. It is possible to concentrate on one side or other of the paper, but students will be required to answer at least one question from each section.