The Evolution of Political Thought

Evolution of Political Thought Summary

• The study of political thought encompasses the chronology and the substantive and methodological changes of human political thought.
• The history of Western political thought originates from ancient Greece, with the political philosophy of thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
• Non-Western traditions of political thought have been identified, among others, in ancient China, where Confucius’ thinking was based on traditional Chinese worldview, and in ancient India, where Chanakya in Arthashastra offered practical advice on how to run government.
• Christian thinking heavily influenced political philosophy in medieval Europe, with St Thomas Aquinas as the most influential political philosopher of the period.
• The 14th century Arab scholar Ibn Khaldun is considered one of the greatest political theorists.
• During the Renaissance, secular political philosophy emerged, with Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince being one of the most influential works.
• The Age of Enlightenment brought new theories about what humans were and about what the best form of a state could take.
• The Industrial Revolution changed societies dramatically, enabling the rise of socialist and communist ideologies.
• Anti-imperialist ideologies emerged to counter imperialism, such as Gandhism and Nasserism.