ABSTRACT
For the first half of the twentieth century, political philosophy was shaped by trends in other areas of philosophy. Conceptual analysis and clarification were central, and the philosopher's task was to clarify substantive political argument rather than participate in it. Several other features are worth mentioning: the widespread acceptance of utilitarianism as an adequate account of political morality; the interpretation of and reaction to its rivals, and the rise of pragmatism as an alternative view of philosophy in general and politics in particular. The second half of the century was marked by the rebirth of political philosophy. Justice emerged as the central issue, and debates continue about both its nature and its centrality to political life.
