This class will immerse students in the history of political philosophy. It may focus on traditional canonical issues (such as how to justify political authority, or particular forms governments or societal structures) and/or the ideas of thinkers who argue for radical political change (such as the abolitionists, suffragists, anti-colonialists or civil-rights activists). A connective thread will be the question of canon construction: what gets included in, or excluded from the political philosophy canon, and why?
This class will immerse students in the history of political philosophy. It may focus on traditional canonical issues (such as how to justify political authority, or particular forms governments or societal structures) and/or the ideas of thinkers who argue for radical political change (such as the abolitionists, suffragists, anti-colonialists or civil-rights activists). A connective thread will be the question of canon construction: what gets included in, or excluded from the political philosophy canon, and why?
