Political Philosophy

Political philosophy is concerned, at the most general level, with how countries should be ruled. Its scope includes questions as to the source and extent of governmental authority, the origin of property rights and the best way to distribute (and redistribute) private property, and the nature and extent of our freedom.

Before asking how society ought to be run the goals of society must be defined; before choosing a route one must choose a destination. The first set of questions of political philosophy overlap with those moral philosophy; they include questions of value. Political philosophers have sought to understand justice, freedom, and autonomy, in order that these goods might increasingly be secured. Perhaps the most fundamental question of political philosophy is therefore What is the good?

Once the good has been defined, it is possible to ask what political system is most affective in securing it, what political system best achieves the aims of politics. Here, competing traditions offer conflicting cases, jostling for pre-eminence.