Although he writes in a different genre than most other political thinkers, Francois Rabelais's contribution to political philosophy carries weight because of his famous humor and unique style, which provide sharp insight into the limits of human agency and throw doubt on the more "serious" projects of his peers.

Chapter One: Our Religion, the Political State, Private Life
Chapter Two: Interpreting Rabelais Pantagruelically
Chapter Three: Philosophers as Citizens: Diogenism, Machiavellianism, Pantagruelism
Chapter Four: Interpreting Machiavelli Pantagruelically
Chapter Five: Dutiful Philosophy: The Role Of Debvoir In Panurge's Outlook
Chapter Six: Panurge Versus The Authorities
Chapter Seven: Blowing Bubbles, Understanding Nature
Chapter Eight: Back to Diogenes' Barrel-and Tomb

Timothy Haglund is donor relations manager for Ashbrook Center at Ashland University.