Political Philosophy and Theory 2102-ANG-L-D3PPHT
Political Philosophy and Theory are at the very foundations of political science and political reflection as such. Anyone seeking deeper understanding of elemental political notions and values needs to enter the realm of political philosophy and possibly also political theory.
Quite often both concepts are used interchangeably. It can be argued that in many instances they clearly overlap - such cases will be discussed during the seminar. However, there are also justified reasons for making certain distinctions between the two. Political philosophy usually tends to be associated with conscious axiological preferences, giving more space for unfettered freedom of thought and imagination. Theory is generally seen as more restrictive in the intellectual sense, more related to concepts of “logic”, “consistency”, “objective reality”, “verifiability”, etc., characteristic for the scientific ethos, particularly since the advance of positivistic tendencies in the 19th century. For some (like L. Strauss) philosophy is prior and more profound, and political theory represents a modern and problematic - in fact reductionist - shift towards “value-free facts”. Then, it more recent times, we can observe a significant revival of political philosophy, arguably initiated by J. Rawls in the 1970s.
The seminar will introduce students into the main concepts, ideas and doctrines, regarding fundamental assumptions, values and objectives of political philosophy and theory.
The seminar, being a natural follow up of Political Ideas course, builds up on students’ knowledge of the history of political thought. It focuses therefore on the 20th century and current interpretations of politics, power and authority, freedom, justice, rights and democracy - as seen from a philosophical perspective.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
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 criteria
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%
Practical placement
Not applicable.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: