PHILOSOPHY
The Social Contract
TERM 3: FOCUS ON QN325
Mondays
Angelo Bottone
Why do we live in society? The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to a major theme in the ethical and political debates of the modern era: Are we naturally soical or are we individuals who are foreced by necessity to live with others?
We will focus on the three most famous exponents of the “state of nature versus social contract” thought experiment: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Their conceptions of human nature, society, authority, war, property, freedom and the role of the state will be explored. In particular, the course will concentrate on Hobbes' analysis of the social contract theory in relation to man's state of nature, on Locke's social contract theory with an emphasis on his analysis of the distribution of property and on Rousseau's General Will.
Students will be introduced to short sections from each philosopher. This will give them the confidence of familiarity with philosophical arguments as presented in their original forms by their authors. A critical discussion of the ideas presented in the course will be encouraged.
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BELFIELD |
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6 Mondays |
April 15, 22, 29, May 13, 20, 27 (No Class May 6) |
7.30pm - 9.30pm |
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Fee €115 |
Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment |
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Tutor Bio:
Angelo Bottone is an associate lecturer at the School of Arts of the Dublin Business School, where he teaches Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking. He holds a PhD in philosophy at University College Dublin. He has published two books on John Henry Newman and several articles on Paul Ricoeur, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Philosophy of Religion. He also translated Newman’s The Idea of a University into Italian.
Provisional list of key topics to be covered:
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Hobbes and the Leviathan.
We will investigate the main characteristics of Hobbes’ Leviathan, i.e. the political authority, along with his understanding of human nature and the state of war.
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Locke’s two Treatises on government.
The most important concepts of Locke’s political philosophy will be examined: natural law, war, property, freedom.
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Rousseau and his Social Contract.
Rousseau’s criticism of various versions of the social contract theory will be presented and discussed.
Who is the course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to reflect and discuss about living in society. No previous knowledge of politics or philosophy is required.
Reading List:
The following is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content. We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests.
Cahn, Stephen M. (2011) Classics of Political and Moral Philosophy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.