Political
Philosophy – Part 1:
From
Plato to Paine and the French Revolution
Links:
Return to Political Philosophy Part 1 Introduction
Tutor:
Ian Pirie.
e-mail: ian_michael_pirie@btinternet.com
website: www.imagining-other.net
Week
1 Summary:
1. Introduction to the
course:
-
teaching approach, prior knowledge, handouts, reading, learning plans,
2. Introduction to philosophy:
(a) What is philosophy? Love of knowledge (or of wisdom?) – philos
+ sophos.
(b) What does philosophy do?
Asks
‘deep’, fundamental questions à grounded
knowledge (epistemology: how do we
know?). (Deepest questions: metaphysics = beyond the physical). NOT =
opinion...
Clarifies
the meanings of words, classifies concepts (analytical approach).
Provides convincing answers: consistent, justified,
rigorous etc arguments (logic).
(c) Other kinds of
knowledge: Science (evidence-based). Faith?
(d) Branches of
philosophy:
Logic, metaphysics, ethics, epistemology. Philosophy
of: science/history... politics.
3. What is political philosophy? The
application of philosophical methods to the theory and practice of politics. Key concepts:
-
authority, power, legitimacy
-
justice, fairness
-
law, rules, obedience and disobedience
-
the political community (collective) – the polis, its
nature and purpose
-
the citizen (individual) – duties, rights
-
democracy, and other types of political system
-
freedom, equality and other values
-
‘human nature’ (if it exists!)
4. The history of
political ideas:
-
changing beliefs and different beliefs/practices at different times and in
different societies (contexts) à the question:
which systems or beliefs are best? i.e. a normative approach
(to do with values and value-judgements).
5. Background: Politics
in Ancient
City-states, wars between
Limited, though “direct” democracy. Knowing how
to rule and be ruled.
The Agora.
The
Sophists: experts in rhetoric (skill of persuasion) - available for hire...
6. Socrates (470 -399
BC) [whom we know about only through Plato...]
Know
thyself. Knowledge and opinion.
Dialectical method (questioning, and questioning
the answer!)
Accepted the death penalty (for “corrupting the
youth of