PHIL 231 Ancient Political Theory (Same as Political Science 231) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)

PSCI 231 Ancient Political Theory (Same as Philosophy 231) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)
The core activity of this seminar is the careful reading and sustained discussion of selected works by Homer, Aeschylus, Plato and Aristotle, and will also include secondary readings by Arendt, Wolin, Nussbaum, and Weil. Among the questions that we will address: What is justice? How can it be known and pursued? How is political power generated and exercised? What are the social and ethical prerequisites and consequences of democracy? Must the freedom or fulfillment of some people require the subordination of others? Does freedom require leading (or avoiding) a political life? What does it mean to be "philosophical" or to think "theoretically" about politics? Finally, how does our contemporary view of politics look when refracted through the Greek experience of the political?
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: participation, presentation, three 6- to 8-page papers.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 35 (expected: 18). Preference given to Political Science majors.
Political Theory Subfield