Political Philosophy and Theory 2102-ANG-L-D3PPHT
Konwersatorium (KON) Semestr zimowy 2023/24

Reading (selected fragments):

A. Heywood, Political Theory. An Introduction (main textbook for the course).

I. Berlin, Two Concepts of Liberty.

R. Dahl, Democracy and its Critics.

J. S. Dryzek, B. Honig, A. Phillips (eds.) Oxford Handbook of Political Theory.

C. Farrelly, Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory. A Reader.

C. Farrelly, Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory (Textbook).

W. Kymlicka, Contemporary Political Philosophy. An Introduction.

Ph. Pettit, R. E. Goodin (eds.), Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Anthology.

L. Strauss, What is Political Philosophy?

All reading materials will be e-mailed directly to students via USOSmail.

Learning outcomes:

1. Knowledge

Upon completing this course a student:

a) has in-depth knowledge about most important concepts of political philosophy and political theory – their origins, evolution, variety of understandings and uses,

b) recognizes complexity of interrelations between those concepts as well as different values and ideas they refer to,

c) knows the essential terminology in the area of political theory in English.

2. Skills:

Upon completing this course a student:

a) is able to creatively interpret and discuss selected fundamental problems of contemporary political philosophy and theory,

b) is able to critically use selected concepts and ideas to explain both the historical evolution of political philosophy and theory and their contested character,

c) can compile and present results of his/her own independent research focusing on a given question.

3. Competences:

Upon completing this course a student:

a) understands and appreciates the complexity of political philosophy and theory in general, particularly its main concerns, differences and controversies,

b) is able to formulate his/her competent and open-minded opinion regarding selected fundamental political concepts as well as values and ideas they refer to,

c) helps other students in understanding and interpreting complex concepts in the field of political philosophy and theory.

Assessment:

- Regular attendance - required. Two absences are allowed without consequences. In case of greater number of absences, some additional reading or an extra assignment paper may be required.

- Active participation in class discussions, based first of all on assigned reading - recommended.

- Mid-term exam (40 minutes) required.

- Final examination (90 minutes), held at the last class - required.

Important: in order to complete the course, student needs to meet formal criteria (attendance and mid-term participation) and receive at least a passing grade (“3”) from the final test.

Grade distribution (approximately):

Attendance, participation in class discussions: 25%

Mid-term exam 25%

Final examination: 50%

Classes and topics (14 working weeks):

04-10-2023

Organization of the course.

1. Introductory lecture: Political philosophy and political theory as disciplines - similarities and differences.

11-10-2023

2. Brief characterization of ancient and medieval political philosophy. Modernity as the turning moment - Leo Strauss’s interpretation of the differences of between classical and modern political philosophy.

18-10-2023

3. Interpretations of politics.

Contours of “the political”. Conflict vs. coordination/harmonization. Liberal, conservative, Marxist, Schmittian and feminist understandings of politics. Visions of “the end of politics”.

25-10-2023

4. Human nature, individual vs. community. Nature versus nurture. Intellect versus instinct. Competition versus cooperation. Individualism in politics. Collectivism.

01-11-2023 - no classes - All Saints' Day

08-11-2023

5. Theories of power and authority - part I.

Interrelations between power and authority. Types of authority (M. Weber). Intentionalist and structuralist approaches to power. M. Foucault’s approach to power.

15-11-2023

6. Theories of power and authority - part II. Three conceptions of power (S. Lukes).

22-11-2023

7. Dimensions of freedom - part I. Positive and negative freedom (I. Berlin). Triadic understanding of freedom (G.C. MacCallum Jr.).

29-11-2023

8. Mid-term test.

Dimensions of freedom - Part II. Liberal, libertarian, conservative and Marxist conceptions of freedom.

06-12-2023

9. Theories of justice. Three approaches: consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics. J. Rawls - justice as fairness.

13-12-2023

10. Theories of justice - continued. R. Nozick - the entitlement theory of justice. Communitarian philosophy of justice.

20-12-2023

11. Theories of justice - continued. Contemporary approaches and controversies regarding social justice. Critical Race Theory.

10-01-2024

12. Conceptions of rights. Natural rights in political philosophy.

22-12-2023 - 07.01.2024 - Christmas/New Year recess

17-01-2024

13. Democracy and guardianship (R. Dahl). Philosophy of Democracy.

24-01-2024

14. Final written exam.

Seminar. Lectures and multimedia presentations, class discussions referring to reading materials.