Basic Problems in Political Philosophy

In this course we will focus on the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and Kant to examine different formulations of theory and practice. We will read Plato’s Meno, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo, and Sophist; from Aristotle’s Ethics, Physics and Metaphysics; Kant’s, Critique of Pure Reason, Foundations of the Metaphysics or Morals, and Perpetual Peace; concluding with parts of Rawls’ A Theory of Justice. We will be examining the following questions: What can we know and how do we know it? How should we live and how is that related to what we can know? A previous course in political philosophy or philosophy is recommended. Students will write two short papers and a final essay on topics to be assigned. A previous course in political philosophy or philosophy is recommended. (Political Theory) 3 hrs. sem.