We hold up equality and liberty as high ideals in our society. Yet we see inequality and restrictions on liberty wherever we look. How did we get here? What can we do about it?

In this program, we will study the origins of the ideals of individual liberty and equality in political philosophy, beginning in the 17th century and moving up to the present day. We will study the questions that arise from these ideals: By what right does any government have power over people? What could constitute legitimate political authority? What order of society best lives up to these ideals? We will read classics of modern political philosophy by Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and Mill, as well as some contemporary sources that extend as well as challenge the views of earlier thinkers. Students will also engage in research into contemporary political issues in connection with a political theory we study. Credit will be awarded in political philosophy.