Introduction to Political Philosophy

This course focuses on some of the most important texts in the field of political philosophy: Central issues concern the relationship between politics and philosophy, types of truth and forms of power, and generally, how a critical understanding of politics and the human condition is achieved. Specific works have included: Thucydides, History;Plato, Republic,Aristotle, Politics,Machiavelli, The Prince,Hobbes, Leviathan,Rousseau, Second Discourse;Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Mill, On Liberty,Marx, Communist Manifesto, Capital;Nietzsche, The Birth of Tragedy;and essays by Weber, Arendt, and Havel. 3 hrs. lect./disc.