PH 300 - Special Topics in Philosophy: Ancient Greek Political Thought

Course Description

"Topics in political theory and philosophy vary by semester and may include: Aesthetics of Everyday Life; Art and Politics; Community, Communication, and Public Policy; Liberalism and Communitarianism; Logic; Censorship, Privacy, and the Public Good. May be repeated for credit if topics differ."

Summer 2025 Topics:

Section 010: Ancient Greek Political Thought

Modern political ideas, democracy, anarchy, oligarchy, tyranny, demagoguery, have their origins in classical Greece, and pervade everyday life. Yet these are all contested ideas, used often without any notion of their larger meaning or history. The term politics itself comes from the Greek politikos (of citizens and the city) and critical reflection about power, political life, and constitutional forms is one of the greatest legacies of Greek philosophy. The aim of this course is to explore the origin and development of Greek political philosophy, because it is essential for our understanding of the contemporary world and ongoing debates about democracy, equality, and justice. The course consists of lectures, discussions, and presentations which focus on primary readings in English translation.