POL200Y1Y L5101
Political Theory: Visions of the Just/Good Society
Themes
What is justice? How does political activity contribute, if at all, to a flourishing human life? What are the arguments for and against political equality? How may pre- and Early-Modern considerations on questions concerning gender inform current-day debates? By exploring these guiding questions in the company of Plato, Aristotle, Christine de Pizan, Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Locke, this course serves as an introduction to ancient and early-modern political philosophy in the European tradition. Our goal is to interpret core texts in this tradition through careful reading and writing. In reflecting on the affinities, differences, and tensions generated by each thinker's vision of the good society, we will also aim to develop the faculties required for thinking critically about our own political horizons.
Texts
Plato, Republic; Aristotle, Politics; Christine de Pizan, The Book of the City of Ladies; Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince; Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan; John Locke, Political Writings (A Letter Concerning Toleration and The Second Treatise on Government).
Format and Requirements
Take Home test (30%) Comparative Essay (30%) final exam (30%), participation (10%)