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Learning outcomes |
The general aim of this course is to provide students with theoretical knowledge of political philosophy and its specificity as a field of philosophy. Its specific aims are:
- To study, interpret and discuss political philosophy texts;
- To analyse the concepts fundamental to philosophical reflection on politics;
- Identify the sources, theories and arguments of representative political philosophers from ancient, modern and contemporary times.
At the end of the course unit the student should be able to: 1) identify and analyse the basic issues of political philosophy; and 2) understand, identify and briefly present the main ideas, concepts and arguments of representative ancient, modern and contemporary political philosophers.
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Syllabus |
I – Classical P. Ph.
1.1. The relationships between philosophy and politics.
1.2. What is political philosophy?
1.3. Classical political philosophy and modern political philosophy
1.4. Political philosophy and the art of writing in Leo Strauss
1.5. On method in political philosophy: four models of hermeneutics: L. Strauss, Q. Skinner, J. Pocock, R. Koselleck.
II – Modern P. Ph.
2. The political legacy of Niccolò Machiavelli
2.1. Machiavelli, Machiavellianism, anti-Machiavellianism
2.2. Machiavellianism and Reason of State
2.3. Maxims of State, State Secrets, Coups d'Etat and Reason of State in Gabriel Naudé
2.4. From medieval “Mysteries of State” to modern “Coups of State”
2.5. Machiavelli and political conspiracies
III – Contemporary P. Ph.
3.1. M. Weber and the concept of charisma
3.2. C. Schmitt and the concept of the politics
3.3. W. Benjamin and the critique of violence
3.4. M. Foucault and neoliberalism
3.5. G. Agamben and the state of exception
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Main Bibliography |
ARENDT, Hannah, “Sócrates”, in A Promessa da Política, Relógio D’Água Editores, Lisboa, 2007, pp. 11-37.
ARENDT, Hannah, “Filosofia e política”, in A dignidade da política, Editora Relume-Dumará, Rio de Janeiro, 1993, pp. 91-115
STRAUSS, Leo, What is political Philosophy? The University of Chicago Press, Chicago and London, 1959.
STRAUSS, Leo, Introdução à Filosofia Política, Realizações Editora, São Paulo, 2016.
BENTO, António, «Maquiavel, o Pai da Filosofia Política Moderna», entrevista à Revista do Instituto Humanitas Unisinos, nº 427 - Ano XIII - 16/09/2013 - ISSN 1981-8769, in http://www.ihuonline.unisinos.br/index.php?secao=427
BENTO, António (org.), Maquiavel e o Maquiavelismo, Editora Almedina, Coimbra, 2012.
BENTO, António (org.), Razão de Estado e Democracia, Editora Almedina, Coimbra, 2012.
AGAMBEN, Giorgio, Estado de Excepção, Edições 70, Lisboa, 2010.
BENJAMIN, Walter, “Sobre a crítica do poder como violência”, in O Anjo da História, Assírio & Alvim, Lisboa, 2010.
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Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria |
Theoretical/practical classes. A pedagogical-didactic methodology of initial exposition will be adopted, followed by commented reading of fundamental texts, previously made available, and critical discussion in class. The presentation of the topics aims to ensure that the concepts are clearly and securely learnt, while the practice of commentary and discussion serves to consolidate them.
The assessment of this course is based on, the preparation of a short essay on a topic previously agreed with the teacher in charge and defended orally. .
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