Phil 023 An Introduction to Political Philosophy (2 Credit)

Lecturer: Janet LEE

Description:

Today, it is an undeniable fact that human beings live in a political society. Why do human beings need a political system? Is a political system, which limits individual freedom, a necessary evil, or a natural requirement for human fulfillment? Philosophers respond to these questions according to their anthropology and thus develop their political philosophy. In this course, we study their thought by analysing their works. We read Plato's Republic, Aristotle's Politics, St. Augustine's The City of God, St. Thomas' Summa Theologica, Machiavelli's The Prince, and Rousseau's Social Contract, etc. Furthermore, we reflect on different political issues when reading their texts: e.g. What is political philosophy, is human being a political animal, the foundation of political society, different political systems, the relationship between political obligation and individual freedom, etc.

Reference

1. HAMSPHER MONK I., A History of Modern Political Thought: major political thinkers from Hobbes to Marx (Oxford: Blackwell, 199)

2. STRAUSS L. & CROPSEY J., History of Political Philosophy (Chicago: University of Chicago, 1987)