B8518 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide an orientation to the theoretical issues debated in Western philosophical-political reflection in modern and contemporary times. This also implies a clarification of the terms used in our everyday political vocabulary. At the end of the course, students will know: how the main traditions of philosophical-political thought were formed and their main conceptual and structural characteristics; they will have analytical tools to understand the connections that link the elaboration of philosophical-political doctrines to the historical development of social dynamics and national and international political institutions.

Course contents

The course aims to provide a critical historical and philosophical examination of a number of key concepts and doctrines in political thought and political philosophy, focusing on their historical genesis and development, with particular attention to the notions of democracy, war, and peace. By the end of the course, students will be expected to: (a) acquire a thorough understanding of the core concepts and doctrines developed within the history of political philosophy; (b) develop the ability to engage in the analytical reading of philosophical texts by situating political concepts within their respective historical and linguistic contexts; and (c) develop the capacity to identify both continuities and discontinuities among political doctrines across different historical periods. The course will also examine a number of major theoretical perspectives—including republicanism, liberalism, and theories of respect, tolerance, and solidarity—by situating them within their respective historical contexts.

These themes will be explored alongside an inquiry into the foundations of democracy and its possible theoretical and normative articulations.

The course consists of 25 lectures. Only the first eight lectures will be delivered in a hybrid format, with the instructor teaching in person while students may attend either on campus or online. The lectures are designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of the discipline, their historical development, and their conceptual significance.

Readings/Bibliography

A. Ryan, On Politics: a History of Political Thought from Herodotus to the Present, Penguin, 2013 (1-3-11-12-15-20)

Selected passages from the works of John Rawls, Hannah Arendt and Carl Schmitt (provided by the lecturer.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures (the first 8 of which delivered in hybrid form, i.e. kn  both in presence and online).

Use of powerpoint presentations. 

 

Assessment methods

Two written exams, the first with 5 questions to answer, the second with three questions.

Non attending students will take a written test (with 8 questions to answer, and an oral exam on a book of their own choice, to be agreed with the lecturer)

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations

Office hours

See the website of Elena Irrera