PSCI 231(F) Ancient Political Philosophy (Same as Philosophy 231) (Offered 1997-98; not to be offered 1998-99)

This course considers a range of ancient and medieval political thinkers, including Plato, Aristophanes, Aristotle, Polybius, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, and Maimonides. Through a careful reading of their works, we will engage the elemental questions of political life: is the good citizen distinct from the good person? Is a public life superior to a life devoted to the household and private affairs? Does the full development of some require the constraint of others? What does politics have to do with our conception of the good life? Although we will attempt to engage the works on their own terms, we will inquire whether modern conditions immobilize the concerns central to the ancient and medieval tradition, or whether, on the contrary, the questions so crucial to the ancients remain so under different guises for us. Requirements: class participation, two 6- to 8- page papers and a final exam. No prerequisites.

Hour:  MUIRHEAD