Political Philosophy is a comprehensive introduction to the major topics in political theory. It explores the philosophical traditions that have formed and continue to inform our political judgements about fundamental questions such as why and when we can demand freedom, claim rights, complain when rules and practices are unjust, question authority, and challenge the legitimacy of the state. Dudley Knowles' critical approach engages the reader in asking why we find ourselves in disagreement over the application of political judgements and how such disagreements might be resolved. He investigates the nature of obligation and evaluates claims that democracy is the only legitimate constitutional form.