PSCI 232(S) Modern Political Philosophy (Same as Philosophy 232)

This is an introduction to thinkers in modern political philosophy with a focus on their contribution to liberalism. Many accept the basic liberal tenets that persons are equal and bear rights that must be respected by other individuals and by governments. Yet some also worry that liberal democracies lack the resources to meet the challenges of contemporary politics. An understanding of our current situation may be enlightened by attending to the founders of modern liberalism, including Machievelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Marx, and Nietzsche. This course should inform our understanding of why some challenges to modern liberalism attempt to move beyond the modern political tradition and others hope to grasp the importance of pre- modern understandings, while both often seek to maintain what is best in liberalism. Requirements: two papers and final exam. No prerequisites.

Hour:  SABL