In this lively and engaging book, Norberto Bobbio, the distinguished contemporary Italian philosopher, and the political theorist Maurizio Viroli, explore a range of themes relating to the idea of the Republic and some of the major political and ethical issues of the day. * A lively discussion of politics and political theory by one of the world’s most distinguished political theorists and philosophers. * Provides an excellent introduction to the work of Bobbio for the newcomer. * Explains the idea of the Republic and some of the major political and ethical themes of the day. * Demonstrates philosophy in action, with a breadth of reference including Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Rousseau, Pettit and Skinner.