The dominant moral, political and social theoretical framework associated with the Enlightenment generally, and with the development of capitalism in England and the rise of modern physical science more specifically, is markedly different from that of the Ancients. It is arguably the framework within which most debate in the West still occurs. Yet while (or perhaps because) it constitutes something of a shared horizon, the framework itself is often simply taken for granted. The project of this course will be to make the parameters of much contemporary thought explicit by tracing the development of the tradition to which we are in large part heir. Class will involve careful reading and critical discussion of works by Hobbes, the Levellers, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel and Mill. Format: seminar with added lecture as needed. Requirements: class participation, three short (2- to 3-page) writing exercises, one (6- to 7- page) essay and an exam. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 35 (expected: 20). Preference given to Political Science majors. Political Theory Subfield.