Overview
This is an advanced seminar on the moral and political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes. Students are expected to have some familiarity with philosophy, political theory, early modern history, or theology. The course is restricted to Juniors and Seniors in the catalog; if you are younger than that but have some of the relevant background (such as Philosophy 33) and would like to take the class, please contact me.
Topics for discussion include: the place of Hobbes's natural philosophy in Leviathan, the state of nature in anthropology and international relations, rights in Hobbes’s moral and political philosophy, Hobbes’s philosophy of law, and Hobbes on miracles and other theological matters. Readings will come from Hobbes’s Leviathan, Hobbes’s contemporary critics, and the scholarly literature on Hobbes.
The class
Syllabus
The syllabus (PDF) contains a schedule of topics for discussion, readings, and assignments. It also describes the standards for grades and other policies for the class.
Writing
Are philosophy papers different? Not really, but there are some points of emphasis that it’s good to know about.
Sakai
The best way for registered students to access the site is through Sakai. The Sakai site has links to everything you see here but it also has announcements and pdf files of the readings. When the term ends, the Sakai site will no longer be published but this site will still be here.
Contact
The instructor for this class is Michael Green.