The course raises some perennial questions of Western political
thought: What is politics, and what role does it play in the
fulfillment of human life? What is the relation between politics and
government, and is government necessary for the realization of
liberty, equality and justice? Which form of government best answers
human needs, and how can it be maintained and improved over time?
What obligations do citizens owe their government, and where do those
obligations end? Political philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle,
Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Mill and Tocqueville
answered these questions differently, and we will explore those
differences using a combination of texts in political philosophy,
literature, and history. Students will then know whose political
philosophy is most compatible with their own, and why. They will also
appreciate why others may disagree, and on what grounds.

The class employs a combination of lecture and discussion; hence
regular attendance and class participation are important. The reading
averages about 100 pages per week, and there will be a mid-term exam
and a comprehensive final exam. In addition, there will be short
written exercises and every student must keep a log or journal of
entries for each assigned reading.

HON 299 – Discussion section for Y105, Hanson

This discussion section is for Honors students only. We will
use the meeting to discuss supplemental readings, view films, analyze
local issues in philosophical terms, and draft occasional statements
of political positions.