Politics and Free Will
GOVT 351
Fall 2015 not offered
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Machiavelli, in THE PRINCE, thinks that fortune rules about half our actions, but she allows the other half to be governed by us, "that our free will not be altogether extinguished." To what extent do political leaders act freely, making choices based on their values, and to what extent are they boxed in by the boundaries of a situation? As an opposition leader, is a politician more or less constrained than if s/he becomes the top executive? Does power lead to freedom? Are there necessities of political action, both domestic and international, that limit a political actor? Can a creative or transformational leader redefine and overcome necessity? |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS GOVT |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (GOVT)(GOVT-Theory) |
Major Readings:
Crick, B. IN DEFENSE OF POLITICS
Lowith, K. MAX WEBER AND KARL MARX
Weber, M. "Parliament and Government in a Reconstructed Germany"
Jouvenel, B. ON POWER. THE NATURAL HISTORY OF ITS GROWTH
Siracusa, J. DIPLOMACY
Fisher, R. et al. GETTING TO YES: NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITHOUT GIVING IN
Jacobson, N. PRIDE AND SOLACE
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Examinations and Assignments:
Class presentation and paper, two essays, and final project. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Some background in the humanities or social sciences -- government, history, philosophy, sociology, economics, religion, or anthropology -- would be helpful. |
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