The 20th century saw unprecedented change in the world’s political landscape. Over one-third of the world adopted Marxism-inspired regimes. Old European colonial empires shrunk. Mid-century, the rise of tyrannous fascism and National Socialism sparked the second world war, followed by the cold war between eastern communism and western capitalism. Political philosophy reacted to these changes in various ways, suggesting new models to supplant the failing systems. The hard reality of communist regimes prompted the reappraisal of Marx’s theories in the 1930s and again after the collapse in the 1990s. Ideas about democracy, justice, and the role of government became important to many states seeking or gaining independence from colonial rule, as well as to people across the globe struggling to achieve equality and freedom. In the relatively peaceful period following 1945, concerns about civil rights, including race, gender, and environment also played a significant role.
Introduction
How do we really define Philosophy? The Greek word φιλοσοφία – Philosophia. Or as the term has been coined by modern Western language – Philosophy. The literal meaning of this word is relatively static. Derived from its Greek origin it comprises two separate words...
