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History of Political Theory : From Plato to Marx (Theory)
Course Objectives: The objective of this course is to make learners familiarise with the various schools of political thoughts and provide a framework to enable critical thinking and analysis of the state-society relations
Course Outcomes (COs)
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24POL 124 |
History of Political Theory : From Plato to Marx (Theory) |
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: CO19: Study the core concepts of Greek political philosophy, focusing on the ideas of thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle, and explain how their philosophies influenced the structure and function of political systems CO20: Assess the lasting significance of Aristotle's political ideas and how they shaped later political theories, taking into account historical and philosophical contexts. CO21: Analyze the differing political theories of Aquinas and Machiavelli, focusing on their perspectives on governance, morality, and institutions, and evaluate their impact on modern political thought. CO22: Examine and critique the contributions of Bodin and Hobbes to political philosophy, particularly their views on sovereignty, governance, and the social contract, and discuss their relevance to current political systems. CO23: Analyze Locke and Rousseau's theories of social contract and natural rights and their effects on individual freedoms, political legitimacy, and the citizen-state relationship in contemporary society. CO24: Contribute effectively in Course specific interaction |
Approach in teaching: Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation
Learning activities for the students: Self-learning assignments, Seminar presentation. |
Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects |
Greek Political Philosophy- The fundamentals of Greek Political Philosophy, Philosophical ideas of Socrates, Plato-Justice, Education, Communism of Wives and Property, Philosopher King, Theory of Best state, Second Ideal State
Aristotle- State, Slavery, Citizenship, Resolution, concept of Best State, Trends in Political Philosophy after Aristotle- Influence of Christianity on Theory of State
St. Thomas Aquinas- Political Theory, Views about Laws and Justice, Nature of State, The Church and the State;
Machiavelli- Views about human nature, Child of Renaissance, Nation State and power Politics, Religion, Morality and Politics
Jean Bodin- Political Ideas and Concept of Sovereignty,
Thomas Hobbes- Development of Social Contract Theory, Human Nature, State of Nature, Social Contract, Sovereignty, Resistance of Individual against State
John Locke- Human nature, State of Nature, Theory of Social Contract, Private Property, Theory of Revolution, Natural rights and Natural Law, Rousseau and his views about Social Contract, Doctrine of General Will
Books Recommended:
Essential Readings:
Ø Gauba, O.P., (2021), Western Political Thought, New Delhi, Mayur Paperbacks
Ø Sharma, U., & Sharma, S.K.,(2021), Western Political Thought: From Plato to Burke, New Delhi , Atlantic Publishers
Ø Wayper, C.L.,(2021), Political Thought, India, Aitbs Publishers
Ø Suda, J.P.,( 2020), History of Political Thought: (Vol. I&II), Merrut, K. Nath & Co
Ø Boucher, D.,& Kelly, P.,(2017)Political Thinkers, London,Oxford University Press
Ø Mukherjee S. (2015), History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx, New Delhi, Prentice Hall of India
Reference Books:
Ø Sabine,G.H.,(2019), History of Political Theory,New Delhi, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.
Ø Nelson B.R.,(2017),Western Political Thought, Second Edition, New Delhi, Pearson Education
Ø Skoble,A. & Machan,T., (2007), Political Philosophy: Essential Selections, New Delhi, Pearson Education
Ø Adam, I., & Dyson, R.W.,(2004),Fifty Great Political Thinkers, London, Routledge
Ø Coleman,J., (2000), A History of Political Thought: From Ancient Greece to Early Christianity, London, Blackwell
Ø Berki,R.N., (1977),The History of Political Thought: A Short Introduction, United States, Rowman and Littlefield
Ø Parekh ,B., & Pantham, T., (1987), Political Discourse: Explorations in Indian and Western Political Thought, New Delhi, Sage Publications
