Social and Political Philosophy: Readings From Plato to Gandhi

This anthology brings together a wide range of classic texts that have shaped the study of social and political philosophy, spanning from the ancient world to modern thought. Beginning with Plato and Aristotle, the collection explores foundational ideas of justice, the state, and citizenship. It then moves through medieval and modern thinkers such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and Mill, examining themes of authority, liberty, equality, and rights. The volume concludes with the nonviolent and ethical political vision of Mahatma Gandhi, providing a global and cross-cultural perspective. By presenting original writings in a single volume, the book allows readers to trace the historical development of political thought and compare diverse philosophical responses to questions of power, governance, morality, and human freedom.