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.
Introduction: What Is Political Philosophy?
Socratic Citizenship: Plato, Apology
Socratic Citizenship: Plato, Crito
Philosophers and Kings: Plato, Republic, I-II
Philosophers and Kings: Plato, Republic, III-IV
Philosophers and Kings: Plato, Republic, V
The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle, Politics, I, III
The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle, Politics, IV
The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle, Politics, VII
New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli, The Prince (chaps. 1-12)
New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli, The Prince (chaps. 13-26)
The Sovereign State: Hobbes, Leviathan
The Sovereign State: Hobbes, Leviathan
The Sovereign State: Hobbes, Leviathan
Constitutional Government: Locke, Second Treatise (1-5)
Constitutional Government: Locke, Second Treatise (7-12)
Constitutional Government: Locke, Second Treatise (13-19)
Democracy and Participation: Rousseau, Discourse on Inequality (author's preface, part I)
Democracy and Participation: Rousseau, Discourse on Inequality (part II)
Democracy and Participation: Rousseau, Social Contract, I-II
Democratic Statecraft: Tocqueville, Democracy in America
Democratic Statecraft: Tocqueville, Democracy in America
Democratic Statecraft: Tocqueville, Democracy in America
In Defense of Politics