Fundamentals of Political Philosophy 2751-KONJA-FPP

Fundamentals of Political Philosophy is a basic political science course that examines how major thinkers have conceptualized power, governance, and justice across history. The curriculum begins with Niccolò Machiavelli, who detached political strategy from traditional morality to analyze power as it realistically operates. Students then explore social contract theory through Thomas Hobbes, who argued that an absolute sovereign is necessary to prevent a chaotic state of nature. In contrast, John Locke defended natural rights and limited government, laying the groundwork for modern liberal democracy. Jean-Jacques Rousseau expanded on these ideas by emphasizing popular sovereignty and the collective general will as the true basis of legitimate law. Moving into German idealism, Immanuel Kant grounded political legitimacy in moral autonomy, universal reason, and the pursuit of perpetual peace. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel then reframed political evolution as an unfolding historical process driven by dialectical conflict and the realization of freedom. Rejecting idealist frameworks, Karl Marx analyzed history through class struggle, critiquing capitalism and proposing a stateless, classless society. Finally, Friedrich Nietzsche challenged modern democratic and egalitarian values, urging a radical re-examination of moral and political authority. Through these key thinkers, the course equips students to critically evaluate the core assumptions underlying contemporary political systems.

Całkowity nakład pracy studenta

Hours involving the academic teacher (2.5 ECTS): a) participation in classes – 30 hours; b) direct preparation for classes under the supervision of the academic teacher, including the analysis of academic literature and source materials – 15 hours; c) individual and group consultations concerning the choice of topic and the structure, content and delivery of the presentation – 10 hours; d) discussion of progress in preparing the presentation and provision of ongoing feedback – 5 hours; e) discussion and assessment of the presentation – 2.5 hours. Student’s independent study hours (2.5 ECTS): a) reading the relevant academic literature – 25 hours; b) ongoing preparation for classes, including reading press and online materials – 15 hours; c) preparation of the presentation – 20 hours; d) making up for an absence or revising the presentation, where necessary – 5 hours. 125 hour

Efekty uczenia się - wiedza

Learning main politico-philosophical streams and problems. Knowledge of classical approaches to political philosophy. Systematic view on the history of political thought.

Efekty uczenia się - umiejętności

Philosophical analysis. Applying the tools of critical thinking to relevant and actual social issues..

Efekty uczenia się - kompetencje społeczne

Training of argumentation in groups. Basic rhetorical skills. Developing public speaking skills,

Koordynatorzy przedmiotu

Łukasz Perlikowski

Metody dydaktyczne

hermeneitics, analytical method,

Metody dydaktyczne podające

- wykład konwersatoryjny
- opowiadanie
- opis
- tekst programowany

Metody dydaktyczne poszukujące

- seminaryjna
- referatu

Rodzaj przedmiotu

przedmiot obligatoryjny

Wymagania wstępne

Philosophy, Political Theory, Ethics

Kryteria oceniania

A student’s grade depends on the active participation in discussions about the problems and the literature proposed in the syllabus. By the concept of active participation the instructor understands taking part in discussions (particularly, the instructor expects students to ask him questions concerning proposed problems) or giving an oral presentation on a given topic – K1, S1, SC1, SC2.

Oral presentation should take a stance on the topic, pose questions and propose solutions. Each presentation should take approximately 10-15 min – K1, S1, SC1, SC2

Literatura

Machiavelli, N. (2005). The Prince. Oxford University Press.; Machiavelli, N. (2008). Discourses on Livy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, book II.
Hobbes, T. (2024). Leviathan. Oxford University Press, part II.
Locke, J. (2016). Second Treatise of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration. Oxford University Press.
Rousseau, J.-J. (2009). The Social Contract. Oxford University Press.
Kant, I. (2019). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Oxford University Press.
Hegel, G. W. F. (2008). Outlines of the Philosophy of Right. Oxford University Press, Third Part: Ethical Life.
Marx, K. (1999). Capital. A new abridgment. Oxford University Press. (Excerpts in the READER); Engels, F., Marx, K. (2008). Communist Manifesto. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Nietzsche, F. (2008). On the Genealogy of Morals. Oxford University Press.

Handbooks:

Strauss, L., & Cropsey, J. (Eds.). (1987). History of political philosophy (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
Mansfield, H. C. (2026). The rise and fall of rational control: The history of modern political philosophy. Harvard University Press.
Wolin, S. S. (2016). Politics and Vision: Continuity and Innovation in Western Political Thought (Expanded ed.). Princeton University Press.

Więcej informacji

Dodatkowe informacje (np. o kalendarzu rejestracji, prowadzących zajęcia, lokalizacji i terminach zajęć) mogą być dostępne w serwisie USOSweb:

Strona przedmiotu 2751-KONJA-FPP w USOSweb