Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

  • Explain the differences between the ideas of Plato and his student Aristotle.
     
  • Compare and contrast the ideas of other significant political thinkers such as Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Mill, and Marx.
     
  • Explain the significant differences between ancient and modern political thinkers.
     
  • Analyze the conflict between authority and liberty.
     
  • Describe differing conceptions of justice.
     
  • Identify four elements in contemporary political philosophy.