對於政治研究者而言，探討西方規範性論述至為重要，相關論述試圖處理人與自然；人與人；以及人與自我之間的關係，幫助我們適應環境。做為萬物之靈，人們懂得形塑社會組織，經營社會生活，保障生存和提高生活品質。探討西方政治思想能夠讓我們瞭解問題，解決問題，形塑可欲價值。

政治和自然科學之間存在重要差異。自然科學強調研究的客觀性。當伽利略觀察到球會順著斜坡往下滾的時候，有沒有他的存在都不會改變這項事實。相對地，沒有任何思想家能夠達到價值中立（value free）地步。本課程探討將提供我們豐富例證。

For political researchers, it is important to explore Western normative discourses that attempt to deal with the relationship between humans and nature; humans and humans; and humans and themselves, and help us adapt to the environment. As the soul of all things, people know how to shape social organizations, manage social life, ensure survival and improve the quality of life. Exploring Western political thought can enable us to understand problems, solve problems, and shape desirable values.

There are important differences between politics and the natural sciences. Natural science emphasizes the objectivity of research. When Galileo observed that a ball rolled down a slope, his presence or absence did not change that fact. In contrast, no thinker can reach the point of being value free. This course discussion will provide us with abundant examples.

胡祖慶，西洋政治思想史，（台北：雙葉），2012.

Hu Zuqing, History of Western Political Thought, (Taipei: Shuangye), 2012.