Introduction to Political Philosophy

Author:

Steven B. Smith

Subject:

Social Sciences

Institution Name:

Yale University

Collection:

Open Yale Courses

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Abstract:

This course is intended as an introduction to political philosophy as seen through an examination of some of the major texts and thinkers of the Western political tradition. Three broad themes that are central to understanding political life are focused upon: the polis experience (Plato, Aristotle), the sovereign state (Machiavelli, Hobbes), constitutional government (Locke), and democracy (Rousseau, Tocqueville). The way in which different political philosophies have given expression to various forms of political institutions and our ways of life are examined throughout the course.

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Assessments, Audio Lectures, Full Course, Lecture Notes, Syllabi, Video Lectures

Media Format:

Audio, Text/HTML, Downloadable docs, Video

Conditions of Use:

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0