The State, Justice,

and the

Common Good

An Introduction to

Social & Political Philosophy

edited by

B. J. Diggs

This classic book provides a systematic and historical introduction for beginning readers and students of political and social philosophy.  Professor Diggs presents three classical philosophies of the modern state--Locke's theory of natural rights, Hume's utilitarianism, and Rousseau's theory of the social contract--and explores their similarities and differences, strengths and weaknesses.  Diggs also examines some major conflicting philosophies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including those of John Stuart Mill, Thomas Hill Green, and John Rawls.  The State, Justice, and the Common Good  not only gives reflective readers a good working knowledge of some of the major issues and viewpoints in social and political philosophy, but also encourages them to evolve their own positions.

Invaluable for courses in general introductory philosophy, political or social philosophy, contemporary social issues, political science, and special topics in philosophy (introductory and upper-level).  All educated readers will find that this fine text gives an excellent history and systematic survey of this field.