Western democracy as we know it has developed out of a liberal paradigm that has dominated political thought and permeates our modern social structures. As societies evolve and diverge underlying social and political frameworks come under scrutiny and philosophical questions arise. Indeed, the nature of society is perhaps the most important issue facing modern political thought. Social and Political Philosophy: A Contemporary Introduction offers a broad survey of some of the fundamental philosophical questions concerning social and political relations in modern society. It contains clear and accessible discussions of the philosophical issues central to political thought. Questions concerning the foundations of political authority, the nature and grounds of economic justice, the limits of tolerance, considerations of community, race, gender, and culture in questions of justice, and radical critiques of current political theories are examined. This accessible and user-friendly text will be of value to any student coming to social and political philosophy for the first time.