This module focuses on Plato's Apology as an introductory text to political philosophy. It highlights Socrates' defense of philosophy and the significance of free expression. The module emphasizes how Socrates' life challenges traditional views of citizenship and underscores the value of philosophical inquiry in political life.
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of political philosophy, discussing its nature and scope. Professor Smith emphasizes the importance of Plato and Aristotle's works, raising essential questions about the best regimes and the essence of good citizenship through Plato's Apology.
This module focuses on Plato's Apology as an introductory text to political philosophy. It highlights Socrates' defense of philosophy and the significance of free expression. The module emphasizes how Socrates' life challenges traditional views of citizenship and underscores the value of philosophical inquiry in political life.
This module investigates Socrates' philosophical citizenship as opposed to traditional notions rooted in Homeric poetry, discussing civil obedience, piety, and the duty to abide by community laws. The Crito dialogue illustrates the complexities of citizenship and the moral obligations of individuals within a society.
This module introduces Plato's Republic, exploring its various meanings in ethics, justice, and metaphysics. The lecture discusses the Republic as a utopian vision, Kallipolis, and examines the implications of its ideas on moral psychology and the power of myth in politics.
This module continues the discussion of Plato's Republic, focusing on the roles of various figures in the dialogue. Socrates challenges conventional notions of justice and emphasizes the necessity of knowledge and reflection as the basis for all virtues, enriching our understanding of political philosophy.
This lecture concludes the examination of Plato's Republic, emphasizing the theme of self-control articulated by Adeimantus. Socrates' insights into the nature of spiritedness, ambition, and the pursuit of justice culminate in the Platonic vision of harmony within both the city and the individual soul.
This module introduces Aristotleâs life and works, focusing on his comprehensive treatise, Politics. Aristotle's assertion that man is a political animal is discussed, emphasizing the naturalness of the city and the essential role of human interaction in political life.
This module delves into Aristotle's comparative politics, particularly the idea of regimes outlined in Politics. It examines how regimes encompass both formal rights and the unique customs of communities, asserting that regimes are crucial to the identity of a people and their city.
This final lecture on Aristotle focuses on the management of conflict between factions. It explores the concept of polity as a blend of oligarchy and democracy, highlighting how this approach can balance interests and prevent extremes, foreshadowing modern governance principles.
This module introduces Niccolò Machiavelli and the political landscape of Renaissance Florence, asserting his role as the founder of the modern state. Machiavelli's reconfiguration of political authority combines elements from the Christian empire and Roman republic, establishing a new framework for political organization.
This module continues the examination of Machiavelli's The Prince, discussing his revolutionary ideas on virtue and vice. Machiavelli redefines these concepts, relating them to ambition and success, and introduces the notion of "dirty hands" in politics, challenging traditional moral perspectives.
This module introduces Thomas Hobbes' political philosophy, characterized by a paradoxical stance on political absolutism and human equality. Hobbes argues that the sovereign's authority stems from a social contract, emphasizing the necessity of civil peace and security in governance.
This module discusses Hobbesâ metaphor of the "state of nature," describing life without authority. It explores Hobbesian individualism, highlighting human will and choice while examining the moral implications of natural law and the obligations it places on individuals.
This final lecture on Hobbes explores his theory of sovereignty and the distinction between 'just' and 'good' laws. The discussion emphasizes the sovereign as an office rather than a person, connecting Hobbesian ideas to the structure of modern states.
This module introduces John Locke's influence on political theory, particularly regarding natural rights and equality. Locke's ideas shaped modern concepts of government, emphasizing legitimate authority through consent and the protection of life, liberty, and property.
This module delves deeper into Locke's Second Treatise, exploring the concept of property and natural law. Locke provides a narrative on human beginnings, establishing the necessity of consent for legitimate governance and outlining the foundations of private property.
This module addresses two critical elements of Locke's theory: the executive's role relative to the legislative branch and the application of his ideas in contemporary American political philosophy. The lecture concludes with a discussion of John Rawls' A Theory of Justice, connecting it to Locke's contributions.
This module introduces Rousseau's life and works within the context of 18th-century France. The lecture focuses on his Discourse on Inequality, analyzing the origins of inequality and exploring the qualities of human nature that Rousseau believes were affected by historical transformations.
This module continues the discussion of inequality in Rousseau's work, focusing on the concept of amour-propre and the conflict between individual freedom and the collective will. The Social Contract's principles are examined as Rousseau seeks to reconcile these tensions.
This module highlights Rousseau's concept of the general will as a pivotal contribution to political science. It examines how this concept addresses issues of inequality and individual freedom, ultimately considering Rousseau's enduring legacy in shaping modern democratic thought.
This module explores Tocqueville's insights on democracy and its implications for freedom and equality. It discusses the emergence of new social powers in democracies and Tocqueville's reflections on American democracy, which he believed offered lessons for France's future.
This module continues the exploration of Tocqueville's Democracy in America, focusing on key aspects such as local government, civil associations, and the spirit of religion. The lecture critically examines Tocqueville's concerns about potential democratic tyranny and its implications for liberty.
This final lecture on Tocqueville delves into the moral and psychological facets of democracy, exploring the qualities of the democratic individual and the institutional development of the democratic state. Tocqueville's views on the role of statesmen highlight the importance of political education in a democratic society.
This concluding module reflects on the essential nature of politics, discussing its definition and significance. The lecture incorporates perspectives from Kant and modern political thinkers, addressing themes of patriotism, nationalism, and cosmopolitanism, while emphasizing the educator's role in fostering a robust political understanding.