Political Philosophy is a comprehensive introduction to the major topics in political theory. It explores the philosophical traditions that have formed and continue to inform our political judgements about fundamental questions such as why and when we can demand freedom, claim rights, complain when rules and practices are unjust, question authority, and challenge the legitimacy of the state. Dudley Knowles' critical approach engages the reader in asking why we find ourselves in disagreement over the application of political judgements and how such disagreements might be resolved. He investigates the nature of obligation and evaluates claims that democracy is the only legitimate constitutional form.

In outlining the central problems of political philosophy, Knowles introduces the ideas of key thinkers, including Hobbes, Locke, Marx, and Mill, and influential contemporary theorists such as Berlin, Rawls, and Nozick. He discusses how to do political philosophy through a detailed examination of utilitarianism, exemplifying a commitment to the liberal practice of rational enquiry.

Written in an easily readable style, Political Philosophy will be of interest general readers as well as to students and teachers of philosophy and political theory.