POLI 1401/PHIL3200 Modern Political Thought

Abstract

COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines political philosophy through the lens of classic texts in the ancient and modern period. The course will focus on readings that contrast ancient and modern political thought. The course will examine core themes of political philosophy, including, the quarrel between religion and philosophy, the proper ends of human life, the object (and limitations) of government, the role of ideas in politics, and the various forms of political organization. Throughout the course we will also think about the relationship of religious communities to political life more broadly, and various ways in which the relationship more generally of politics and religion can be examined. This course counts towards foundations of history, philosophy, and social sciences