This translation of Rosmini's Philosophy of Politics was prompted in part by the need for an English edition of works frequently quoted by the author in his Philosophy of Right. This need, however, must not be considered the prevalent factor in determining the immediate issue of The Summary Cause for the Stability and Downfall of Human Societies and Society and Its Purpose, which make up the Philosophy of Politics. Far more important is the present state of civil society, and our general understanding of the nature of society. We live in a civilisation where photo-opportunities and soundbites are rapidly taking the place of reasoned argument in civil affairs; we are not given the opportunity of asking about the purpose of society, nor about the nature of its essential elements, nor about the means by which society is to achieve its end. This is particularly dangerous at moments of history marked by gross materialism with its inevitable tendency to individualism. Consumerism, our own brand of materialism, is necessarily destructive of the union between persons on which society depends. It is a simple fact that social groupings of every kind are under threat, and will not be saved from destruction without a concerted effort to re-discover the fundamental principles on which society is founded.