This highly-regarded,unique text for introductory political science or political theory courses introduces political philosophy by posing questions that help students engage in the process of political thinking. By concentrating on the questions rather than their answers, this text stirs critical thought. In addition, the great philosophers' responses to these questions are traced, helping students understand the historical and contemporary importance of these questions in politics and political life

1. Why Engage in Political Thinking?

2. Estrangement and Unity

Are Human Beings Estranged in Essence?
If Human Beings Are Not Estranged in Essence, Why Are There So Many Divisions and Conflicts Among Them?
Can Estrangement Overcome Through Reason?
Is Religion in Some Form Needed For Overcoming Estrangement?
Should All Peoples Be United in a Single Global Society?
Should All Class Distinctions Be Abolished?

3. Inequality and Equality

Are Human Beings Unequal in Essence?
If Some Human Beings Are Essentially Superior to All Others, How and By Whom Can They Be Identified?
If Human Beings Are Essentially Equal, Are All Conventional Inequalities Wrong?
If All Conventional Inequalities Were Abolished, Would Estrangement Disappear?
Should Men and Women Always and in All Ways Be Treated Equally?

4. Power and Its Possessors

Can Social Order Be Maintained Without Power?
Who Should Rule?
If the People Rule, Should They Do So Themselves or Through Representatives?
Is It Good to Have Power?
Why Obey?

5. Limits on Power

Should Governments Be Under the Same Moral Limits as Individuals?
Should Governments in All Circumstances Be Under Constitutional Limits?
Should Governments Ordinarily Leave the Ownership and Control of Industry in Private Hands?
Can Political Power and Perfect Knowledge Ever Be Joined?

6. The Ends of Power

Does Every Government Serve Merely "The Interest of the Stronger"?
Is the Final Goal of Government Simply to Enable Individuals to Live as they Choose?
Does Government Have Any Responsibility for Truth and Morality?
Is Avenging Crime a Proper Aim of Government?
Should Governments Try to Create Societies that Fulfill All Needs and Desires?

7. Historical Change

Can Human Beings Control the Course of History?
Can We Guide History Without Using Extensive Violence?
Do Truth and Right Change in the Course of History?
Does History Lead Naturally Toward "The Good Society"?
Epilogue
The Idea of Humane Uncertainty