Introduces some of the most important topics in contemporary political philosophy and asks if they can be accomodated within the framework of liberal theory. Consists of specially written essays by prominent figures on an array of issues.

Notes on contributors, Preface, PART I Introduction, PART II Foundations of social and political philosophy, PART III Alternative social and political perspectives, PART IV Challenges to social and political philosophy, PART V The application of social and political philosophy to nonideal conditions, Index