PHL 353 - Political Philosophy: A Historical Introduction

4 credits
Intended as an introduction to political philosophy as seen through an examination of some of the major texts and thinkers of the Western political tradition. Focuses upon three broad themes that are central to understanding political life: the polis experience (Plato, Aristotle), the sovereign state (Machiavelli, Hobbes), and constitutional government and democracy (Locke, Rousseau, Tocqueville, Rawls, Nussbaum). The way in which different political philosophies have given expression to various forms of political institutions and our ways of life are examined throughout the course. The course concludes with a critical discussion of some of the major topics in contemporary political philosophy, including sovereignty, nationalism, citizenship, feminism, imperialism, freedom, liberty, security, and equality. Approved for University Studies - Strand I.