Introduction to Political Philosophy

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Description

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    Course

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    Online

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    Different dates available

This course is intended as an introduction to political philosophy as seen through an examination of some of the major texts and thinkers of the Western political tradition. Three broad themes that are central to understanding political life are focused upon: the polis experience (Plato, Aristotle), the sovereign state (Machiavelli, Hobbes), constitutional government (Locke), and democracy (Rousseau, Tocqueville). The way in which different political philosophies have given expression to various forms of political institutions and our ways of life are examined throughout the course.

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Subjects

  • Socratic Citizenship
  • Plato
  • Apology
  • Aristotle
  • The Sovereign State
  • Hobbes
  • Leviathan

Course programme

Lecture 1 Introduction: What Is Political Philosophy?

Lecture 2 Socratic Citizenship: Plato, Apology

Lecture 3 Socratic Citizenship: Plato, Crito

Lecture 4 Philosophers and Kings: Plato, Republic, I-II

Lecture 5 Philosophers and Kings: Plato, Republic, III-IV

Lecture 6 Philosophers and Kings: Plato, Republic, V

Lecture 7 The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle, Politics, I, II

Lecture 8 The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle, Politics, IV

Lecture 9 The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle, Politics, VII

Lecture 10 New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli, The Prince (chaps. 1-12)

Lecture 11 New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli, The Prince (chaps. 13-26)

Lecture 12 The Sovereign State: Hobbes, Leviathan

Lecture 13 The Sovereign State: Hobbes, Leviathan

Lecture 14 The Sovereign State: Hobbes, Leviathan

Lecture 15 Constitutional Government: Locke, Second Treatise (1-5)

Lecture 16 Constitutional Government: Locke, Second Treatise (7-12)

Lecture 17 Constitutional Government: Locke, Second Treatise (13-19)

Lecture 18 Democracy and Participation: Rousseau, Discourse on Inequality (Author's Preface, Part I)

Lecture 19 Democracy and Participation: Rousseau, Discourse on Inequality (Part II)

Lecture 20 Democracy and Participation: Rousseau, Social Contract, I-II

Lecture 21 Democratic Statecraft: Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Lecture 22 Democratic Statecraft: Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Lecture 23 Democratic Statecraft: Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Lecture 24 In Defense of Politics

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