Political Philosophy

Course Syllabus – Fall 2006

PHIL 4115-01                                                                                     TR 12:30-1:45 Human 205

Dr. Jeremiah Alberg                                                                              Office TLC 2254

Office Hours: MW        11:10-12:10; 1:00-3:00

TR       11:00-12:00; 2:00-3:00

F          By appointment                                                jalberg@westga.edu

Texts

Strauss, Leo. “What is Political Philosophy?” What is Political Philosophy? (Westport: Greenwood Press, 1959). Available on electronic reserve.

Strauss, Leo and Cropsey, Leo. History of Political Philosophy, (Chicago: U of Chicago P, 1963.

Course Description and Learning Outcomes

Political action aims at making the good life possible by achieving a good society. Political philosophy aims at making explicit in what the good life and a good society consists. This course, then, is an exploration of some of the most important attempts at fulfilling these aims. We will begin Unit 1 with a careful reading of the classic article by Leo Strauss, “What is Political Philosophy?” In Unit 2 we will examine some of the ancient and medieval conceptions of political philosophy. In Unit 3 we will look at modern political philosophy.

By the conclusion of the course the student will have a good grasp of what problems are treated in political philosophy. Further, they will have a deep understanding of the difference between the approaches to these problems taken by ancient and medieval thinkers over against modern political philosophers.

Further, the students will develop their skills at reading texts, analyzing arguments, and then presenting and defending their own political views.

Relationship of Course Goals to Program Goals

This course plays a central role in realizing the Program’s goals of  (1) grasping the “general historical development” of the discipline and of (2) being able to “discuss three major historical figures” in philosophy. It will also allow them to develop in their ability to differentiate types of philosophical questions.

Course Requirements

1. Attendance: Four (4) absences FOR ANY REASON are allowed. With the fifth absence FOR ANY REASON half a grade will be deducted from the final grade. Each subsequent absence will result in the further reduction of a half grade. In other words, receiving credit and a grade in this class is dependent upon attendance. If you are ill for more than two weeks, it will become progressively difficult for you to receive the credit for this class.

Unit 1   Overview

8/15                 Introduction

8/17                 Strauss             pp. 9- 27

8/22                 Strauss             pp. 27-40

8/24                 Strauss             pp. 40-55

8/29                 Strauss             Assignment #1

Unit 2   Ancient and Medieval Political Philosophy

8/31                 Plato                pp. 33-51        

9/5                   Plato                pp. 51-68

9/7                   Plato                pp. 68-87

9/12                 Aristotle           pp. 118-133

9/14                 Aristotle           pp. 134-154

9/19                 Augustine         pp.176-191

9/21                 Augustine         pp. 191-203

9/26                 Aquinas            pp. 248-259

9/27                 Aquinas            pp. 259-271 Assignment #2

Unit 3   Modern Political Philosophy

10/3                 Hobbes            pp. 396-419

10/5                 No Classes

10/10               No Classes

10/12               Locke              pp. 476-510

10/17               Rousseau          pp. 559-568

10/19               Rousseau          pp. 568-579

10/24               Marx                pp. 802-813

10/26               Marx                pp. 813-827 Assignment #3

Unit 4 Presentations

10/31               Ten Theses

11/2                 Presentations (1)

11/7                 Presentations (2)

11/9                 Presentations (3)

11/14               Presentations (4)

11/16               Presentations (5)

11/21               Presentations (6)

11/23               Thanksgiving

11/28               Presentations (7)

11/30               Last class

Assignment #1

Do one of the following:

• Choose one of the four considerations (p. 20-27) which speak against the school of social science positivism and give the argument that Strauss uses.
• Explain what Strauss means when he says that “Classical political philosophy is guided by the question of the best regime” (p. 33).
• Explain what Strauss means when he says that grasping Machiavelli’s success depends upon grasping his principle: “one must lower the standards in order to make probable, if not certain, the actualization of the right or desirable social order” (46-47).

Assignment #2

You are to turn in five theses of political philosophy. (see below)

Assignment #3

You are to turn in all ten theses.

• A thesis is a one sentence statement of a political position that has at least one, if not more, viable contrary positions. To illustrate, although some of the thinkers we will read would hold that some people are created slaves, that position is no longer viable. Accordingly, “All people are created free” does not qualify as a thesis. “Abolition of all private property” does.
• Write you name in the upper left hand corner of the paper and the date in the right hand corner. Double space. Write the thesis in bold.
• After the thesis you must provide an argument to support it. The argument cannot be longer than what you can fit on the one page.
• There are two types of theses for which I am looking.
• I expect “historical” theses. You should pick out positions that you support from your readings and present them.
• You should make these your own. How would you argue for them?
• All theses are due on the day listed in the syllabus. They are to be posted on-line by class time.

The Presentations

• The presentations will consist in thirty minute sessions in which the presenter will answer questions regarding their theses from the instructor and the class.
• The presenter will be evaluated on the strength of his or her answers.
• The other students will be evaluated on the questions which they ask.

Evaluation

Assignment #1  20%

Assignment #2  20%

Assignment #3  20%

Presentation                  30%

Questions                     10%

Plagiarism (adapted from the English Department website)

Although there are many forms and variations of plagiarism and academic dishonesty, in general, the English Department, in agreement with the State University of West Georgia's policy on academic dishonesty , defines plagiarism as using the words and/or ideas of another without properly giving credit to the source(s).

It should be noted that unintentional plagiarism is plagiarism nonetheless.

In addition to obvious methods of plagiarism such as intentionally representing someone else's words as one's own, other acts such as "making up" sources, turning in work done in fulfillment of another course, or receiving excessive assistance are all forms of academic dishonesty, and subject to the penalties for plagiarism .

The University policies for handling Academic Dishonesty are found in the following document: <http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/writing/general_policies.html>

Special Needs:

If you have a registered disability that will require accommodation, please see me at the beginning of the semester. If you have a disability that you have not yet registered through the Disabled Student Services Office, please contact Dr. Ann Phillips in 137 Parker Hall at (770) 836-6428.