Listed in: Political Science, as POSC-265
Jaeyoon Park (Section 01)
Why approach political questions philosophically? Why dream up an ideal city in order to learn about political rule and legislation? Why dwell in abstract reflections on the nature of knowledge or the structure of the soul in order to understand freedom, justice, and equality?
In this course we learn what it means, and how it rewards us, to think philosophically about politics through a careful study of Plato and Rousseau. Our key themes will include the purpose of political rule, the duties of citizenship, and the importance as well as the liabilities of ideals such as equality and democracy. We will explore these themes by reading fictional dialogues, utopian designs, speculative histories, and more. Specific texts will include Plato's Alcibiades, Republic, and selections from the Laws; and Rousseau’s Discourse on the Sciences and Arts, Discourse on Inequality, and The Social Contract.
Limited to 20 students. Fall semester. Assistant Professor Park.
How to handle overenrollment: Priority to political science majors
Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: An emphasis on close reading; in-class exams; oral presentations.
Course Materials