PSCI 231(S) Ancient Political Theory (Same as Philosophy 231)
The core activity of this seminar is the careful reading and sustained discussion
of selected works by Plato and Aristotle, but we will also engage such other
thinkers as Epictetus and Augustine, and, from a political and theoretical point of
view, selections from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. 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? Although we will attempt to engage the
works on their own terms, we will also ask how the vast differences between the
ancient world and our own undercut or enhance the texts' ability to illuminate
the dilemmas of political life for us.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: four 5-page papers.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 35 (expected: 18). Preference given to Political Science majors.
Political Theory Subfield