This course will offer an introduction to key problems in social and political philosophy through a close study of classical texts in the history of social and political thought.
The main topics to be addressed are the following: What is a political community or a state and how does it differ from other forms of community? Why do human beings live in political community? Are human beings by nature political animals or is the state an artificial creation? What is the limit of the authority of the state or political community over the individual? Do we always have to obey the laws of the state or is it sometimes permissible to resist? What is it that gives some the right to rule over others? What is the best form of constitution for a state? When is it justifiable for states to go to war?
The course does not aim to offer definitive answers to any of these problems. Rather, our goal is to achieve a critical understanding of the problems involved in answering these questions. In addition, the course aims to equip students with the ability to read and comprehend philosophical texts and it will train their ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.