Classical Political Theory

Catalog description

This course covers the foundations of political theory from the ancient Greeks to the early modern social contract theorists. The course analyzes leading political theorists in their historical contexts and evaluates their ideas according to the preceding tradition of political theory and their implications for political thought and practice. Students study the work of philosophers including Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. Offered Alternate Years.