Using Political Ideas Book

Is liberty more important than social justice? Can the majority rightly dictate to a minority? Does the Welfare State destroy our independence? Do citizens owe uncritical obedience to the governments which they have chosen? This book is of unique interest for everyone concerned with questions like these. It combines a critique of the major ideologies of contemporary society with an analysis of the ideas and concepts which form the stuff of political debate. By exposing the interplay between ideas and ideologies, it shows why political opponents so often seem to argue at cross-purposes. The book emphasises the relationship between social and politica l problems. The author uses examples from recent political events and argues the crucial importance of ideas in determining behaviour and influencing the conduct of debate. She stresses the need to sharpen our theoretical skills in order to increase our practical understanding of the political world and to control the agencies which influence or dominate our lives. This revised edition updates the political examples and includes new arguments on the ideologies which are constantly being transformed by events.Read More