Supplanting mythical explanations with those based on observation, early Greeks and some of their contemporaries sought to comprehend worldly phenomena in terms of more universal truths. This book introduces readers to the figures instrumental in implementing this refined way of thinking, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It also examines the effect of these thinkers on the major religions of the time, namely, Judaism and Christianity.

Concerned more with rationality, human nature, and human interaction with society and the world than the theological questions of the Middle Ages, contemporary philosophy has advanced study of the limits of the human mind. This insightful volume traces the evolution of present-day Western philosophy and the diverging methods of inquiry that continue to inform a wide range of disciplines.

Philosophers of the Middle Ages endeavored to reconcile two seemingly incompatible concepts: religion and reason. By drawing extensively from the work of their predecessors, like Plato and Aristotle, medieval philosophers were able to find logical bases for their theological beliefs, thus using rationality to better comprehend their faith. This fascinating volume looks at the individuals who pioneered these new schools of thought and their lasting effects on our understanding of the nature...

One of the greatest economic crises in history, the Great Depression of the 1930s caused much hardship both in the United States and throughout the world. The economic impact of this difficult period was reflected not only in the job market of the era but in its art, society, and politics as well. Illuminating information allows readers to examine the economic causes and effects of the Great Depression, as well as the federal and global responses to the crisis, and gives an in-depth look a...

In many ways, modern economics can be seen as the sum total of the works of leading thinkers in the field. Including Adam Smith with his groundbreaking study of capitalism and Paul Krugman’s study of international trade patterns, economists have continued to increase our understanding of the principles of the world’s economic systems. Engaging profiles of the most notable contributors to economic thought are provided and the impact they continue to have throughout the world today is examin...

Money can be paper or metal, can come in dollars, euros, pesos, or one of many other forms of currency, and can be used to pay for goods and services. Explanations of topics such as how we determine value, what exactly capital is and how it relates to money, and more are examined through accessible text. The gold standard, various currencies from around the world, and interest theory are also covered.

Divergence in opinions, beliefs, and interests is a fundamental aspect of every society. Such plurality often spurs the development of various factions and groups, each seeking to attain its objectives through political and governmental action. Whereas elected officials exercise political power directly, interest groups often operate behind the scenes, lobbying for policy changes that benefit their cause. Readers discover how the general populace influences the way it is governed via polit...

Complementary and mutually reinforcing, political science and political philosophy lie at the heart of the study of governance. The concept of how government could or should operate in the abstract is the province of political philosophy, while political science concerns itself with the concrete. Readers will chronicle the history and development of both fields and introduces readers to the major thinkers—including Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Weber—whose works have informed the study of po...

Although individuals and countries, for centuries, have exchanged goods and services for money, the formal field of economics—the study of wealth and how it is produced and distributed—is relatively young. Since Adam Smith’s pioneering work in the 18th century, economics has developed a great deal, and with it, so has our understanding of market systems, such as capitalism and centrally planned systems. A detailed explanation of the scope of economics, historical development, and the stren...

For as long as individuals have lived alongside one another there have been governing structures—bodies established to maintain order and justice, entrusted to provide basic needs and services to their constituents. Disparate beliefs and interests have given rise to many forms of government throughout history, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This engaging volume allows readers to examine the various forms of government that have developed around the world, with a special focu...

Governance is a complex process, often divided among various structures and institutions. Local, regional, national, and even supranational entities each have their own formal and informal institutions that comprise a political system. Readers will use this comprehensive volume to examine the various types, structures, and functions of government around the world, as well as the evolution of political systems and the factors contributing to their rise and fall.

The system of courts in the United States serves to enforce the laws of the nation as well as act as a check to make sure the other branches of government obey the powers set forth by the Constitution. Through a series of landmark court cases, chronicled in this book with an explanation of their lasting impact, the judiciary has shaped the laws of the nation. In addition to the powers of the judiciary and information on important Supreme Court Justices, landmark cases such as Marbury v. Ma...