The course aims at analysing some of the main themes of political philosophy, with special attention to the political concepts of modernity (State, citizenship, sovereignty...) and the challenges it is facing in the present.
The course aims at analysing some of the main themes of political philosophy, with special attention to the political concepts of modernity (State, citizenship, sovereignty...) and the challenges it is facing in the present.
Prerequisites
general notions of modern history of ideas, general notions of modern and contemporary history
Contents
Revolution and public happiness: towards a rethinking of political agency
What is – and what has been – the revolution? Is it still possible today to speak of a revolutionary political change? The course aims at analysing the historical and conceptual origin of the term ‘Revolution’, moving from the political experiences of modern revolutions (in particular the American and French ones) and their interpretations in the writings of Alexis de Tocqueville – refined 19th century observer of post-revoutionary societies – and Hannah Arendt, the famous 20th century political thinker. What is at stake in revolutionary political agency, according to these authors, is “the cause of liberty against tyranny”, which carries with it a surprising experience of “public happiness”. Following this interpretative thread, the course intends to problematize the relation among radical political transformation, political participation and happiness, in order to question wether it allows an equally radical rethinking of political agency.
Teaching Methods
Lectures based on the interpretation of the texts; in depth analyses of modern political concepts and problems of their actualization. Attending students will be required to actively intervene in class with presentations and/or papers.
oral examination
for attending students there is the possibility of combined evaluation: both with papers presented in class and final exam
