Political Philosophy

Catalog description

Aristotle says we are political animals by nature. But it is not obvious what he means with this designation. What does it mean to be political, especially today, when so many presume politics obstructs the good? Does the meaning of the political change, and if so, why? Beginning with Plato and Aristotle, this course surveys the fundamental concepts of political philosophy by way of their origin, history and contemporary relevance. Topics include authority, justice, freedom, violence and the state.