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Foundations of Modern Social Theory

Yale, , Prof. Iván Szelényi

Updated On 02 Feb, 19

Overview

Introduction - Hobbes: Authority, Human Rights and Social Order - Locke: Equality, Freedom, Property and the Right to Dissent - The Division of Powers- Montesquieu - Rousseau: Popular Sovereignty and General Will - Rousseau on State of Nature and Education - Utilitarianism and Liberty, John Stuart Mill - Smith: The Invisible Hand - Marx's Theory of Alienation-Marx's Theory of Historical Materialism - Marx's Theory of Historical Materialism -Nietzsche on Power, Knowledge and Morality - freud on Sexuality and Civilization - Weber on Protestantism and Capitalism - Conceptual Foundations of Weber's Theory of Domination - Weber on Traditional Authority - Weber on Charismatic Authority-Weber on Legal - Rational Authority - Weber's Theory of Class - Durkheim and Types of Social Solidarity - Durkheim's Theory of Anomie - Durkheim on Suicide - Durkheim and Social Facts

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Lecture 2:

4.1 ( 11 )

Lecture Details

Foundations of Modern Social Thought (SOCY 151)

An examination of Hobbess lifetime reveals that the uncertainty of the British monarchy during his life (1588-1679) inspires Hobbess social and political thought, especially regarding the role of the sovereign to provide for the security of his subjects. We consider the major elements of Hobbess political and social thought including the state of nature, equality of men, the social contract, the strong sovereign, and legitimate rule. Hobbess work privileges security of individuals through a strong sovereign but also asserts the right of subjects to transfer their allegiance to a new sovereign if the ruler does not provide for their security; this element of his work in particular and others made him a controversial thinker who was forced into exile for a time. His work has been rediscovered in recent years by economists and other social scientists who see him as the first rational choice theorist.

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website httpopen.yale.educourses

This course was recorded in Fall 2009.