Course Description

What does it mean to be modern? How does our answer to this question influence the way we form, maintain and reform our political communities? What aspects of modern political thinking enable us to flourish, that is, to live well together? What aspects of our thinking are obstacles to our flourishing?

This course is devoted to addressing these questions by reading and discussing some of the major thinkers that shaped our modern world. We will focus our attention on how these writers drew political implications from modern conceptions of human nature, reason, freedom, authority and history. In addition to trying to understand each one of these authors in their own right, we will also explore how these thinkers might relate to each other and to the character of “modernity.” Along the way we will also examine some critical reactions to the assumptions of modern thought.

If you encounter difficulty with the readings or the assignments, please do not hesitate to speak to me after class, during office hours or arrange another time to meet. You may also want to take advantage of Academic Support Center if you have a learning disability or the Writing Place if you would like help with your writing (x3288).

Course Objectives

This course is designed to aid students in

A.developing familiarity with significant works of political thought

B.enriching reading skills appropriate to advanced theoretical and philosophical texts;

C.improving writing skills and expressive abilities, both technically and aesthetically;

D.expanding independent critical capacities, both in analyzing moral arguments on their own merits and in relating those arguments to their own lives

E.enhancing capacity to work with and learn from other members of the class.