Top Free Intro Courses to Political Philosophy
What is the real definition of Liberalism? Conservatism? Socialism? Fascism? Have you heard this terms thrown around but don't know what they mean? Do you want help understanding the works of famous political philosophers? Look no farther than these great courses on political philosophy!
Arcesilaus Neos
2/27/20261 min read
1. Best for the History: Yale Introduction to Political Philosophy
A solid primer on the history of political philosophy starting from Plato and Aristotle, moving through Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. It provides a good foundation for the traditions of political philosophy in the Western Canon. Taught by Steven B. Smith, the course engages directly with the historical texts of ancient and modern philosophy. It is less useful for the more recent takes on political philosophy and how they apply to our modern age, but a great reading guide for the classics.
2. Best Intro to Vocabulary: Intro to Political Philosophy (Carneades)
Do you just want to understand the real meanings of terms in political philosophy? What does it mean in a philosophical sense to be a republican? A socialist? A conservative? A progressive? A fascist? A liberal? How have the politicians that claim these labels drifted or not drifted from their original positions? The course from the YouTube channel Carneades.org does a great job of explaining the philosophical underpinnings of these various positions and explaining how many politicians across the spectrum fail to live up to their monikers.
3. Best for famous teacher: Modern Political Philosophy (John Rawls)
John Rawls, one of the most famous political philosophers of the last 50 years, John Rawls teaches a course on modern political philosophy. In the course Rawls explains the history and underpinnings of his revolutionary theory of justice and the traditions that lead to it. You can't get Plato to teach you the philosophy of justice, but this might be the next best thing.
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