It is with some trepidation that I chose this book, among others, to initiate the approach of philosophy. The crisis we are calling into question many aspects of our representative system, it seemed appropriate to start questioning me by reading this book. Founded apprehension, philosophy is not easy! French is relatively strong and some texts are difficult, especially those of Marx. Fortunately some are more accessible to the image of the text 13 Kelsen p.96, and therefore allow to reach a wide enough audience. On the merits the book that criticism and want to give different perspectives on the basis of famous philosophers. We find what I sought there, questioning, questions and especially highlighting the role of the citizen in the exercise of democracy. We read with great interest the definitions carefully placed end of the book and who want anything but cold definitions dictionary. They are particularly welcome and adds great value to the work in these troubled times or Newspeak is legion. The definitions about education and virtue prove particularly relevant, concern us all and we recall that many have forgotten, that "virtue is necessary for any political society" p.247. This book gave me the motivation to get interested in political affairs and not to let our oligarchs do it, why I advice so any citizen to read this book. I particularly enjoyed some texts of Rousseau, it made me want to read "The Social Contract". A review on the form: the play is even more difficult than the format chosen is really not enjoyable. The comments of the texts and definitions are in small font separated into two columns per page. Suffice to say that it's using and interspersed reading this adds to the difficulties already present background and inherent philosophy. The book is also of poor quality, very little glue, the pages come off very quickly, I have read this book once and it's already done for.
An approach of this book that could be interesting and I regret not having done is to start playing by the handbook by using it as the main frame. Indeed, it is regularly invited to the reading of the texts that make up this anthology, this "way" reading makes it possible to follow a logical learning process, to re-appropriate the words, wondering while helping texts and comments. An approach that I recommend to make and I effectuerais the next time I would read it.
4 stars for the merits, the handbook, the invitation to criticism and questioning, 1 star less for the shape, layout Police / physical quality of the book. Warning for beginners is available but it's not easy.
