Systems of Political Thought (II):
Locke to Nietzsche
This course, in conjunction with PS 210a, is designed to prepare students for the field examination in political theory. It’s aims are three-fold: to provide an intensive and critical introduction to European political thought from Locke to Nietzsche; to evaluate various “methods” or “strategies” for the study of political theory, and to explore some of the secondary literature on this period.
Common to all the readings is a concern with the origin, nature and consequences of commercial society. We will use this as our guiding thread in class discussions.
