Explore the foundations of political thought with Yale's free online course. Delve into works by Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Tocqueville.
Course Description
Are you ready to embark on a thought-provoking journey through the annals of political philosophy? Welcome to "Introduction to Political Philosophy," an engaging course offered by Yale Courses that immerses you in the rich and diverse world of political thought. This comprehensive course spans 17 hours and 35 minutes, providing an insightful exploration into how some of history's greatest minds have tackled questions of governance, power, justice, and citizenship.
In the opening segment, you will be introduced to the fundamental question: What is Political Philosophy? This sets the stage for the succeeding lectures, where ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle come to life through in-depth discussions of their seminal works. Through Plato's 'Apology' and 'Crito,' you will delve into the notion of Socratic citizenship, an idea that emphasizes the role of the individual in the broader context of the state.
As you advance, you will explore the intricate fabric of Plato's 'Republic,' where the concept of philosopher-kings and the ideal state is meticulously laid out over several lectures. The course then transitions to Aristotle's 'Politics,' examining his vision of a mixed regime and the enduring importance of the rule of law. These classical foundations serve as a prelude to the transformative ideas introduced by later philosophers.
Niccolò Machiavelli's 'The Prince' ushers in a new era of political thinking characterized by pragmatic realism. Here, you will grapple with Machiavelli's revolutionary views on power and statecraft over two thought-provoking lectures. Subsequent sessions on Hobbes' 'Leviathan' will confront you with the stark reality of the sovereign state and the rationale for absolute authority as a guarantor of peace and security.
The course takes a turn toward the development of modern constitutional government as articulated by John Locke in his 'Second Treatise.' You will unpack Locke's arguments for natural rights, government by consent, and the separation of powers—all cornerstone principles that influenced the foundation of contemporary democracies.
Rousseau's discourse and his 'Social Contract' invite you to consider the ideals of democracy and participation, challenging you to reflect on the tension between individual liberty and collective sovereignty. Finally, Alexis de Tocqueville's 'Democracy in America' offers a nuanced analysis of democratic statecraft and the unique attributes of American political life, providing a lens through which to view modern democratic practices and institutions.
The course concludes with a session in defense of politics itself, synthesizing the diverse perspectives explored throughout the lectures. This final reflection emphasizes the relevance of political philosophy in understanding and navigating the complexities of contemporary governance.
By traversing the thoughts and writings of these towering figures, "Introduction to Political Philosophy" offers you not just a historical overview but a deep, critical engagement with ideas that continue to shape our political landscape today. Whether you’re a student, a professional in business administration, or simply a curious mind, this course promises to enrich your understanding of the foundational principles that underpin political systems and their evolution over time. Engage with this captivating journey and uncover the enduring questions and answers that define political life.
Conteúdo do Curso
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Video class: 1. Introduction: What is Political Philosophy?
0h37m
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Exercise: What does political philosophy primarily focus on according to the lecture?
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Video class: 2. Socratic Citizenship: Plato's Apology
0h45m
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Exercise: Why does Plato's Apology of Socrates stand out as an important introduction to political philosophy?
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Video class: 3. Socratic Citizenship: Plato's Crito
0h47m
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Exercise: What is one of the central themes explored in the trial of Socrates as described in the course content?
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Video class: 4. Philosophers and Kings: Plato's Republic, I-II
0h47m
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Exercise: According to the lecture on the significance of Plato's 'Republic', what is one of the main purposes of the dialogue as indicated by its opening scenes?
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Video class: 5. Philosophers and Kings: Plato's Republic, III-IV
0h47m
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Exercise: In discussing the character of Polemarchus within the structure of the Republic, the lecture notes that Socrates challenges Polemarchus' view of justice. How does Socrates argue against Polemarchus' claim that justice means doing good to your friends and harm to your enemies?
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Video class: 6. Philosophers and Kings: Plato's Republic, V
0h45m
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Exercise: What is one of the main themes of Plato's 'Republic' as discussed in the lecture?
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Video class: 7. The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle's Politics, I, III
0h43m
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Exercise: According to the introduction to Aristotle's political philosophy, which of the following best describes Aristotle's view on the nature of a political city?
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Video class: 8. The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle's Politics, IV
0h47m
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Exercise: What does Aristotle consider as the main element that holds a city or regime together according to his political philosophy?
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Video class: 9. The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle's Politics, VII
0h46m
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Exercise: What concept does Aristotle propose to balance competing political interests and avoid the dominance of factions?
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Video class: 10. New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli's The Prince (chaps. 1-12)
0h37m
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Exercise: What concept did Machiavelli introduce that plays a crucial role in shaping modern political thought?
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Video class: 11. New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli's The Prince (chaps. 13-26)
0h43m
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Exercise: In Machiavelli's view, what is the primary role of religion in the political sphere as related to a ruler's power?
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Video class: 12. The Sovereign State: Hobbes' Leviathan
0h45m
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Exercise: What is the central issue that Hobbes attempts to address in his work 'Leviathan'?
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Video class: 13. The Sovereign State: Hobbes' Leviathan
0h46m
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Exercise: According to the interpretation of Hobbes' philosophy, which of the following best describes his view on human behavior in the state of nature?
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Video class: 14. The Sovereign State: Hobbes' Leviathan
0h44m
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Exercise: What is a key principle in Hobbes' theory of the sovereign state according to the description in the text?
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Video class: 15. Constitutional Government: Locke's Second Treatise (1-5)
0h44m
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Exercise: What is one key distinction between Locke's and Hobbes' views on the state of nature?
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Video class: 16. Constitutional Government: Locke's Second Treatise (7-12)
0h45m
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Exercise: According to Locke, what legitimizes the transition from the state of nature to a market economy, as discussed in the first five chapters of the Second Treatise?
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Video class: 17. Constitutional Government: Locke's Second Treatise (13-19)
0h45m
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Exercise: What is one of the key features of Locke's theory of limited government?
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Video class: 18. Democracy and Participation: Rousseau's Discourse
0h43m
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Exercise: According to the text, what is a fundamental aspect of Rousseau's view on human nature in relation to society's development?
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Video class: 19. Democracy and Participation: Rousseau's Discourse
0h41m
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Exercise: According to Rousseau's Second Discourse, what is 'amour-propre' and how does it relate to the development of inequality in society?
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Video class: 20. Democracy and Participation: Rousseau's Social Contract, I-II
0h40m
This free course includes:
17 hours and 35 minutes of online video course
Exercises to train your knowledge
Certificate of course completion
100% free, from content to certificate
