161-012 Classics of Political Thought

At least one first-year single-semester philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of Department or subject coordinator.

This subject involves the critical study of classic political texts by Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes and Locke, with comparisons among them and with more recent writers. These texts contain many famous views and arguments, and raise various fundamental questions in political philosophy including those of the basis of political authority, the relationship between politics and morality, and the best form of government. The study of such classics should develop students' appreciation of historically important parts of Western thought, and contribute to a richer understanding of modern views and issues.