Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101912

Coordinator Mark G. E. Kelly Opens in new window

Description The major social and political philosophy of the West, from the 5th century BC Greece till the 18th century will be examined. The development of ideas of citizenship, subjectivity, freedom, equality and the democratic state will be explored. The influence of Christianity will also be a major theme. Authors will include: Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, More, Hobbes, Locke, Vico, Rousseau.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Philosophy

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYB 0228 - The Western Philosophical Tradition PHIL 2013 - The Western Philosophical Tradition

Restrictions

Successful completion of 40 credit points of study in currently enrolled program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. explain the major social and political theory of the West from 5th century BC Greece until the 18th century
2. critically analyse primary texts which exemplify this theoretical tradition
3. identify the theories that underpin the intellectual developments of the 19th and 20th centuries

Subject Content

1. Early Western political philosophy, encompassing ancient, Renaissance and early modern articulations from Plato through Machiavelli to Rousseau, focusing on social contract theory.
2. Late modern and contemporary political philosophy from Marx to the present day.