"Classical Political Philosophy" by Haridwar Shukla is an essential textbook for undergraduate students of Political Science, prepared as per the latest FYUGP NEP syllabus. This comprehensive work covers the 3rd Semester syllabus for Political Science Major under Dibrugarh University, the 5th Semester (CBCS) syllabus, 4th Semester syllabus under Rabindranath Tagore University, Nagaland University, and is equally useful for similar courses in other Indian universities.

Published by Mahaveer Publications, the book systematically explores major classical political thinkers and theories that have laid the foundation for modern political thought. It is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of timeless philosophical debates, enhance analytical skills, and support exam preparation. A highly recommended resource for Political Science students and aspirants preparing for competitive exams.? CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Text and Interpretation – Approaches to the Interpretation of Text

• Marxian

• Totalitarian

• Psychoanalytic

• Feminist

• Straussian

• Postmodernist

• Cambridge New ‘History’ Approach

• Pluralistic and Problem-Driven Interpretations

• Questions

Chapter 2: Political Philosophy

• Meaning

• Antiquity

• Classical Political Philosophy Features

• Significance of Political Philosophy

• Questions

Chapter 3: Plato

• Introduction

• Philosophy and Politics

• Theory of Forms

• Justice

• Scheme of Education

• Philosopher King / Queen

• Communism

• Evaluation of Plato’s Political Philosophy

• Presentation Themes:

  • Critique of Democracy

  • Women and Guardianship

  • Censorship

• Questions

Chapter 4: Aristotle

• Introduction

• Aristotle’s Theory of Forms

• Aristotle’s Concept of Virtue

• Aristotle’s Theory of Citizenship

• Aristotle’s Theory of Justice

• Aristotle’s Theory of the State

• Aristotle’s Classification of States / Governments / Constitutions

• Aristotle on Household or Property, Family and Slavery

• Aristotle’s Theory of Revolution

• Aristotle’s Criticism of Plato

• Evaluation

• Presentation Themes:

  • Man as Zoon Politikon (Man as Political Animal)

  • Classification of Government

• Questions

Chapter 5: Niccolò Machiavelli

• Introduction

• Machiavelli on Human Nature

• Machiavelli’s Concept of Virtue

• Machiavelli’s Views on Religion

• Machiavelli on Republicanism

• Machiavelli on Morality and Statecraft

• Machiavelli on Absolutism

• Machiavelli on Power Politics and the Self-Sufficient State

• Machiavelli’s Concept of Omnipotent Legislator

• Presentation Themes:

  • Morality and Statecraft

  • Vice and Virtue

• Questions

Chapter 6: Thomas Hobbes

• Introduction

• Social Contract Theory

• Human Nature

• State of Nature

• Social Contract

• State

• Atomistic Individuals

• Conclusion

• Presentation Themes:

  • Human Nature

  • State of Nature

  • Social Contract

  • Leviathan

  • Atomistic Individuals

• Questions

Chapter 7: John Locke

• Introduction

• Social Contract Theory

• Laws of Nature or Natural Law

• Natural Rights

• Locke on Property

• Hobbes and Locke: Comparison and Contrast

• Locke’s Legacy

• Presentation Themes:

  • State of Nature

  • Consent and Dissent Law

  • Right to Private Property

• Questions