Written simply and directly — but without sacrificing intellectual depth — this book presents the basic terms, ideas, and dilemmas of Western political thought through an in-depth analysis of a limited number of major thinkers — from the pre-Socratics to the contemporary era. It views the thinkers in historical context and examines them in terms of the changing relationships of ethics and politics in Western political philosophy. The book deals with each thinker in detail — explains basic concepts in depth, and draws out and analyzes the implications of various political theories; organizes theorists historically — from pre-Socratic philosophers to those of the contemporary era — with general historical context provided for each; explores an overarching theme throughout — the changing relationships of ethics and politics in Western political thought from Socrates to the present time.