This module introduces Machiavelli and the political context of Renaissance Florence. Students will explore:
Understanding Machiavelli's innovations will provide insights into the evolution of political organization.
This module introduces the field of political philosophy, focusing on its nature and scope. Professor Smith explores fundamental questions such as:
Through the lens of Plato's Apology, students engage with the foundational concepts of political life, paving the way for deeper exploration in subsequent modules.
This module emphasizes the significance of Plato's Apology as an introductory text in political philosophy. It focuses on:
Students will analyze how Socrates justifies his philosophical way of life, offering insights into the relationship between philosophy and politics.
In this module, students examine Socrates' proposed idea of citizenship as presented in the Crito. Key themes include:
The dialogue, set in Socratesâ prison cell, serves as a critical reflection on the responsibilities of individuals within their society.
This module introduces Plato's Republic, focusing on its multifaceted meanings related to:
Students will explore the Republic as a utopian vision, highlighting Plato's ideal city, Kallipolis, and its implications for moral and political philosophy.
This module continues the exploration of Plato's Republic, focusing on the roles of different figures in the dialogue. Topics include:
Students will gain insights into the philosophical arguments presented, enriching their understanding of justice and virtue in the context of Plato's work.
This module concludes the discussion of Plato's Republic by examining the theme of self-control. Key discussions include:
Students will reflect on how these ideas relate to both virtuous and tyrannical ambitions in public life.
This module introduces Aristotle's life and works, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his treatises, particularly his political writings. Students will explore:
Understanding Aristotle's broad contributions will set the foundation for deeper discussions in the subsequent modules.
This module discusses Aristotle's comparative approach to politics, particularly through his examination of regimes. Students will learn about:
By analyzing these concepts, students will appreciate Aristotle's insights into the formation of political communities.
This final module on Aristotle focuses on conflict management between factions. Key concepts include:
Students will connect Aristotle's theories to contemporary discussions on governance and stability.
This module introduces Machiavelli and the political context of Renaissance Florence. Students will explore:
Understanding Machiavelli's innovations will provide insights into the evolution of political organization.
This module continues the analysis of Machiavelli's The Prince, emphasizing his definitions of virtue and vice. Key topics include:
Students will critically engage with Machiavelli's provocative ideas on political ethics and morality.
This module introduces Thomas Hobbes and his political philosophy, often seen as paradoxical. Topics covered include:
Students will explore how Hobbes' ideas contribute to contemporary discussions on sovereignty and governance.
This module focuses on Hobbes' concept of the "state of nature" and its implications for individual rights and governance. Key discussions include:
Students will critically analyze Hobbes' theories in the context of modern political thought.
This final module on Hobbes discusses his concept of sovereignty. Key themes include:
Students will consider how Hobbes' theories continue to influence contemporary political discourse.
This module explores John Locke's profound influence on political philosophy and American democracy. Key topics include:
Students will analyze how Locke's theories transformed earlier concepts into a liberal constitutional framework.
This module continues to explore Locke's Second Treatise, particularly his views on human beginnings and property rights. Key discussions include:
Students will reflect on how Locke's ideas contribute to the understanding of individual rights and governance.
This module addresses Locke's views on the executive and legislative branches in his constitutional theory. Key topics include:
Students will explore how Locke's ideas continue to resonate in modern discussions of governance and justice.
This module introduces Rousseau's life and his contributions to the Enlightenment. Key themes include:
Students will analyze Rousseau's writings and their implications for understanding the development of modern political thought.
This module continues the analysis of Rousseau's Discourse on Inequality, focusing on the concept of amour-propre. Key discussions include:
Students will explore Rousseau's solutions to these conflicts through the idea of the general will.
This module examines Rousseau's concept of the general will in his Social Contract. Key themes include:
Students will assess how Rousseau's ideas influenced later political philosophies and movements.
This module introduces Tocqueville and his analysis of democracy in America. Key discussions include:
Students will explore Tocqueville's insights as a reflection of broader democratic trends in the 19th century.
This module continues the exploration of Tocqueville's Democracy in America, focusing on key features of American democracy. Topics include:
Students will critically engage with Tocqueville's insights into the complexities of democratic governance.
This final module on Tocqueville explores the moral and psychological aspects of democracy. Key discussions include:
Students will assess Tocqueville's contributions as a political educator and the implications of his work for modern democratic practice.
In this concluding module, the course defends the importance of politics. Key themes include:
Students will reflect on the enduring relevance of political philosophy in contemporary society.