The Individual and the Political Order: An Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy

While there are certainly sources that better engage the meat of social and political philosophy, this is a good introduction. First-year debaters should start here, and use this as a springboard for more in-depth readings on specific issues or by specific theorists. This is an excellent first guide. My copy is well-worn and much-loved.

High school debate students who are just starting out would be well served to pick up a copy of this book. It is a terrific background source for a wide variety of philosophical concepts that are often used in competitive Lincoln-Douglas debate. It is important not to use this book as a primary source of evidence, but merely as a text to gain understanding of the philosophy in the vernacular. In conjunction with Scott Robinson's "L-D Road Guide", this book is a terrific tool for novice debaters.

If you want to get deep in your knowledge of philosophy, get this book. I bought it for my high school students.

If you are in LD debate - this is a must buy.