POL200Y1Y L0101
Political Theory: Visions of the Just/Good Society
Themes
What is the essence of political life, and what is its proper purpose? This course explores how key figures in political thought in the ancient and early modern era (before ca. 1700) answered these questions. Central concepts include virtue, justice, order, authority, rights, and the common good. Authors include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke
Texts
Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War (selections); Plato, Republic; Aristotle, Politics; Machiavelli, The Prince; Hobbes, Leviathan; Locke, Second Treatise of Government; Hume, Essays (selections); a few shorter texts as online handouts.
Format and Requirements
One short paper (Fall term); one longer paper (Winter term); term exam (Fall); final exam (Winter); attendance and participation.