Political Philosophy

This political philosophy course examines the history of political thought through close study of the primary texts that have shaped Western understandings of justice, law, citizenship, government, and the common good. Beginning with Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero, students consider fundamental questions such as: What is justice? What is the purpose of political society? What makes an ideal regime? What virtues are necessary for good citizens and good government? The course traces these questions through Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, examining concepts such as natural law, natural rights, the state of nature, political authority, freedom, property, and the common good. Grounded in these classical texts, the course emphasizes primary-source reading, Socratic dialogue, philosophical writing, independent inquiry, and respectful intellectual exchange. Students develop the ability to evaluate the various political philosophies while considering the relationship between virtue, responsible citizenship, sound government, and human flourishing.