An introduction to upper-division courses in political theory, the course considers the basic moral issues that hedge government and politics: Under what, if any, circumstances ought one to obey the laws and orders of those in power? Is there ever a duty to resist political authority? By what values and principles can we evaluate political arrangements? What are the meanings of terms like freedom, justice, equality, law, community, interests, and rights? How is our vision of the good society to be related to our strategies of political action? What is the role of organization, leadership, compromise, and violence in bringing about social change? Readings will include political philosophy, plays, contemporary social criticism, and modern social science. |