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Introduction to Political Philosophy

Yale,, Fall 2006 , Prof. Steven B. Smith

Updated On 02 Feb, 19

Overview

Introduction: What is Political Philosophy - Socratic Citizenship: Plato's Apology-Plato's Crito - Philosophers and Kings: Plato's Republic,Plato's Republic,Plato's Republic - The Mixed Regime and the Rule of Law: Aristotle's Politics - New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli's The Prince - The Sovereign State: Hobbes' Leviathan - Constitutional Government: Locke's Second Treatise - Constitutional Government: Locke's Second Treatise - Democracy and Participation: Rousseau's Discourse - Democratic Statecraft: Tocqueville's Democracy in America - In Defense of Politics

Includes

Lecture 13: The Sovereign State Hobbes Leviathan

4.1 ( 11 )


Lecture Details

Introduction to Political Philosophy (PLSC 114)

Hobbes most famous metaphor, that of "the state of nature," is explained. It can be understood as the condition of human life in the absence of authority or anyone to impose rules, laws, and order. The concept of the individual is also discussed on Hobbesian terms, according to which the fundamental characteristics of the human beings are the capacity to exercise will and the ability to choose. Hobbes, as a moralist, concludes that the laws of nature, or "precepts of reason," forbid us from doing anything destructive in life.

0000 - Chapter 1. Hobbes on Individuality
0949 - Chapter 2. Hobbes Skeptical View of Knowledge
1411 - Chapter 3. The State of Nature
2314 - Chapter 4. Pride and Fear Passions that Dominate Human Nature
2909 - Chapter 5. The Laws of Nature

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

This course was recorded in Fall 2006.

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Comments
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Sam

Excellent course helped me understand topic that i couldn't while attendinfg my college.

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Dembe

Great course. Thank you very much.

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