Department of Political Science and Public Administration

The course presents an in-depth consideration of the fundamental issues that have marked the development of modern political thought.

After an introductory survey of the main political expressions of Medieval Aristotelianism (Aquinas, Marsilius), the course focuses on Renaissance civic humanism, social contract and Utilitarian liberalism, radicalism and socialism as the main expressions of political reflection in the modern age.

Special reference is made to the political ideas and works of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Burke, Bentham, John Stuart Mill, Alexis de Tocqueville and Karl Marx.

More information and support material at the course's e-class pages.