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Introduction to Modern Political Philosophy
GOVT338 SP

This course surveys major thinkers in modern political philosophy in the West. Attention is given to the historical context of thinkers, their influence on one another, and the contemporary relevance of their thought. Topics addressed will include the meaning and purpose of political philosophy; the modern critique of ancient philosophy and the new purpose of politics; the meaning and foundations of rights; the idea of social contract; the ideas of state sovereignty and individual autonomy; conceptions of human nature; the role of reason in politics; the role of nature and natural law in politics; the meaning of liberty; the concept of justice; the idea of representation; the place of history; the meaning of liberalism and the relationship between liberalism and democracy, the role of toleration; the status of the foundations of political orders; and pluralism.

MAJOR READINGS

Niccolo Machiavelli, THE PRINCE Hobbes, LEVIATHAN John Locke, SECOND TREATISE ON GOVERNMENT Karl Marx, "Communist Manifesto;" "Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844;" "On the Jewish Question" Immanuel Kant, GROUNDING FOR THE METAPHYSICS OF MORALS; "Perpetual Peace;" "Theory and Practice" G.W.F. Hegel, THE PHILOSOPHY OF RIGHT Jean-Jacques Rousseau, ON THE SOCIAL CONTRACT; "Discourse on Inequality" Friedrich Nietzsche, BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three five page papers; a final exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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