Political Philosophies of Cosmopolitan and Nationalism

Political communities unite and divide human beings into separate groups. Can anything justify or explain these divisions? Is there a form best suited to human flourishing and happiness? To the scope of our moral and political obligations? To our identities as co-nationals, compatriots, or cosmopolitans? We will focus on theorists of the late Enlightenment: Smith, Rousseau, Herder, Kant, Fichte, Tocqueville, Mill, Mazzini, Acton, and Weber. We will also read more recent works by Rawls, Walzer, Beitz, Nussbaum, Scruton, and Manent and selections from the ancient Stoic tradition. (PSCI 0101 Or PSCI 0204 Or PSCI 0262 Or PSCI 0317 Or PSCI 0318 Or PSCI 0414 or by waiver) 3 hrs sem. (Political Theory)

Schedule
1:30pm-4:15pm on Tuesday (Feb 9, 2026 to May 11, 2026)
Location
Munroe Hall 401
Instructors