New textbook’s guide to political theory with a modern slant

A NEW book aimed at politics students analyses the writings of key thinkers over the course of many centuries.  But the University of Huddersfield’s Dr Pete Woodcock ensures that even the ideas of the ancients are kept relevant to the modern world.  For example – what would political philosophers of the past make of the Naked Rambler, the former Royal Marine now activist Stephen Gough?

Dr Woodcock is Head of the Division of Criminology, Politics and Sociology at the University, and his latest book is Political Theory: A Beginner’s Guide, newly published in the UK and out in the USA at the start of 2020.  It aims to fill a gap.

“There are a number of political theory textbooks, but I didn’t think they are easily relatable to students coming to the topic for the first time, or indeed the general reader who has developed an interest in the subject,” said Dr Woodcock.

“I try and make sure throughout the book that it relates to the real world, because political theory issues are real world, practical problems around subjects such as the nature of freedom and justice.”

Most of the book’s ten chapters have headings that pose questions, such as “Is humanity nasty or nice?”; “Why should I obey the state?”; “Is democracy the best form of government?”; “When can my freedom be restricted?”; and “What would a just society look like?”.

Political thinking – ancient and modern

Dr Woodcock describes how political philosophers, from Socrates in the ancient world to figures from later centuries as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, J.S. Mill and Nietzsche, have answered these questions.  He also analyses more recent thinkers such as John Rawles, Carole Pateman and Iris Marion Young.

But at all times, he seeks to apply their thoughts to current issues.

“For example, the chapter on freedom starts with discussion of the Naked Rambler.  If we are free to do what we want, is his behaviour not perfectly acceptable?”

Dr Woodcock also introduces many other contemporary issues – such as the Occupy movement – and includes activities and suggestions for discussion and further reading.  The book is also designed so that it resembles a series of webpages, making it even more accessible for present-day students.

The author believes that study of the history of political thought sharpens critical and analytical powers that can be trained on the modern world.

“We might be opposed to ideas in the past, but people in the future will be opposed to us.  So, as well as learning about values from the past, the subject provides a critical reflection on our own values.”