We shall investigate the content of the social and political thought in question in terms of both its philosphical claims and its practical historical context.  That is to say we seek to investigate the specific intellectual output in terms of its ontological and epistemological claims together with the practical political and social events of its time.  Thus, we seek to locate the ontological, or ‘claim to truth’ and reality, by virtue of its epistemological validation.  It is not just a question of what is being said; we also need to demonstrate how it is justified.  However, it is not assumed that political and social speculation is created in a historical vacuum.  Social and political speculation is often heavily embroiled in the social and political struggles of its time.  Hence, we will gain a crucial insight into the relationship and correspondence between philosophy, history and politics.