What is the place of political philosophy in a democratic society? How should political philosophy be taught? Avner de-Shalit's wise and provocative new book shows how political philosophy does not replace democratic politics but, instead, enhances it. Decrying both ivory tower isolation of contemporary scholars and the Platonic temptation to install philosophers as political kings, de-Shalit offers a vibrant new vision of the mutual dependence of political theory and democratic practice. His book helps us – scholars and citizens alike- to see how political philosophy helps democracy flourish.

Rob Reich, Stanford University

Most political philosophers aim to improve the world (otherwise they'd be bankers or lawyers). But how can they improve the world in the classroom? And how can they improve the world outside the classroom? de-Shalit's excellent book provides answers to these questions. It should be essential reading for all graduate students and professors of political philosophy.

Daniel Bell, Tsinghua University