What is freedom? What are human rights? Are wars ever justified? This book explores these and several related questions with the aim of introducing students to the work in the field. It features everyday examples and discussions of key political philosophers and their ideas.

In Political Philosophy: The Fundamentals, political philosopher and legal scholar Thom Brooks introduces and examines the core ideas and debates in the field. With a clear and comprehensible narrative style, the author engages readers in seminal works in the history of political thought, as well as in contemporary philosophy and political theory.

Assuming little to no background in political philosophy, this wide-ranging textbook provides the historical and conceptual knowledge for understanding, evaluating and discussing a range of leading, often divergent philosophical perspectives.

Political Philosophy addresses eight fundamental topics: freedom, rights, equality, justice, democracy, punishment, global justice and climate change. Succinct, reader-friendly chapters discuss the key concepts that philosophers have considered and defended over time whilst connecting the history of political thought with ongoing contemporary debates.

Helping readers develop informed and nuanced opinions on central issues, Political Philosophy: The Fundamentals is an essential resource for undergraduate students undertaking courses in political theory or political philosophy, as well as for those with interest in the historical underpinnings of present-day political issues and disagreements.