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#1
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
In that case, I would start with the Federalist Papers. I'm sure you can find a compendium somewhere.
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#2
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
[ QUOTE ]
In that case, I would start with the Federalist Papers. I'm sure you can find a compendium somewhere. [/ QUOTE ] It would be cool if you started a "Recomended Reading" thread and stickied it. I think a lot of people would find it useful. I know I would. Unfortunately, I'm someone who's formed most of my political opinions by talking to others. I like to read and would definately like to read some good political books. |
#3
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
A People's History of the US, Howard Zinn. Hopefully the title is right.
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#4
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
[ QUOTE ]
A People's History of the US, Howard Zinn. Hopefully the title is right. [/ QUOTE ] this book is soooo hard to finish imo. but great. just looong and detailed. |
#5
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
[ QUOTE ]
A People's History of the US, Howard Zinn. Hopefully the title is right. [/ QUOTE ] I'm not surprised you suggested this. While I don't agree with Zinn on a lot, I think it is a good book to read as it does cover a lot of key American history. |
#6
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
I would suggest reading Plato's Republic for a philosophical background to modern politics. Don't be deterred by the people who disdain the book because of its conclusions but don't understand the positive that comes with the thought process stimulated by the book.
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#7
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
I agree that the Federalist papers are a great place to start. Also concur with the recommendation on Plato. I'll try to give some specific books at a later point, but allow me to throw out the following. Basically, there are several key contributors to the American polity. Greek philosophical writings on the nature of the state, the Roman system of government, English common law, and the ethical heritage of the Judeo-Christian religions. So basically anything you can read on those things will help you gain a better understanding of how America came into being. I'll try to come up with some specific titles, Im too tired right now though. Hope this helps
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#8
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
[ QUOTE ]
I would suggest reading Plato's Republic for a philosophical background to modern politics. Don't be deterred by the people who disdain the book because of its conclusions but don't understand the positive that comes with the thought process stimulated by the book. [/ QUOTE ] That book bothered me soooo much. Not because of the conclusions but because of the fact that I wanted to argue back and couldn't! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] |
#9
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
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I would suggest reading Plato's Republic for a philosophical background to modern politics. Don't be deterred by the people who disdain the book because of its conclusions but don't understand the positive that comes with the thought process stimulated by the book. [/ QUOTE ] Please don't start with something like this. IMO, try to come up with your own philosophy first, then read other's ideas. Trying to read philosophy of politics without understanding history and politics first is pointless. |
#10
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Re: I don\'t know anything about politics
If you do want to read up on political/economic philosophy, just go to wikipedia and look up Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Rousseau, Paine, Machiavelli, Marx. I'd persoanlly also try to read up on Emmerson, Thoreau, Nietzsche, a few western Marxists (I like Marcuse). Then read up on Adam Smith, Keynes, Friedman, Ken Arrow, Paul Samualson.
You'll realize that it's impossible to understand politics and history without understanding social physchology, economics, some cultural anthropology, etc. etc. |
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