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Alexander Guerrero
What is the purpose of government? Why should we have a State? What kind of State should we have?
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What is the purpose of government? Why should we have a State? What kind of State should we have?
Read more
What is the purpose of government? Why should we have a State? What kind of State should we have?
Even within a political community, there may be sharp disagreements about the role and purpose of government. Some want an active, involved government, seeing legal and political institutions as the means to solve our most pressing problems, and to help bring about peace, equality, justice, happiness, and to protect individual liberty. Others want a more minimal government, motivated, perhaps, by some of the disastrous political experiments of the 20th Century, and the thought that political power is often just a step away from tyranny. In many cases, these disagreements arise out of deep philosophical disagreements.
All political and legal institutions are built on foundational ideas. In this course, we will explore those ideas, taking the political institutions and political systems around us not as fixed and unquestionable, but as things to evaluate and, if necessary, to change. We will consider the ideas and arguments of some of the world’s most celebrated philosophers, including historical thinkers such as Plato, Hugo Grotius, David Hume, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, and more contemporary theorists such as Michelle Alexander, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Bryan Caplan, Angela Davis, Ronald Dworkin, Jon Elster, John Hart Ely, H.L.A. Hart, Michael Huemer, Andrew Rehfeld, and Jeremy Waldron.
The aim of the course is not to convince you of the correctness of any particular view or political position, but to provide you with a deeper and more philosophically-informed basis for your own views, and, perhaps, to help you better understand the views of those with whom you disagree.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Part II of the Course
An introduction to the course and to some of the fundamental problems in legal and political philosophy.
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Syllabus
Introduction to Part II of the Course
An introduction to the course and to some of the fundamental problems in legal and political philosophy.
Read more
Political Community and Borders
This unit explores the issues of how our political communities are and should be defined. What is the basis of political community? Should we be allowed to change what political community we are a part of? If so, how easily?
Representatives, Elections, and Lotteries
This unit examines how our political community, once defined, should make law and policy. Who should get to have a say?
Constitutions
This unit examines the role and importance of constitutions. Should we have a constitution? Why might we want one? What should be in it?
Prisons and Punishment & Conclusions
This unit considers the role of crime and punishment within a political community. What should be illegal? What should happen if people break the law?
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores legal and political ideas of philosophers like Plato, Kwame Anthony Appiah, and Michelle Alexander
Taught by Alexander Guerrero
Develops philosophical foundations for opinions and supports evaluations of others' views
Covers political institutions and systems with real-world examples, drawing from Aristotle and Montesquieu
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Save Revolutionary Ideas: Borders, Elections, Constitutions, Prisons to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Revolutionary Ideas: Borders, Elections, Constitutions, Prisons with these
activities:
Review basic principles of logic
Show steps
Provides a stronger foundation in logic, which is essential for understanding and evaluating political arguments.
Browse courses on
Logic
Show steps
-
Review the basics of logic, such as syllogisms and fallacies.
-
Practice identifying and evaluating arguments.
Review key concepts from high school history and government
Show steps
Refreshes students' knowledge of key historical and governmental concepts, providing a stronger foundation for the course material.
Browse courses on
History
Show steps
-
Review key events and figures in American history.
-
Review the structure and principles of the U.S. government.
Watch video tutorials on course topics
Show steps
Provides an alternative way to learn the course material and reinforce understanding.
Show steps
-
Find video tutorials for the course.
-
Watch the tutorials and take notes.
-
Review the material covered in the tutorials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Take practice quizzes on course material
Show steps
Helps students assess their understanding of the course material and identify areas where they need additional support.
Show steps
-
Locate practice quizzes for the course.
-
Take the quizzes and review your results.
-
Identify areas where you need additional study.
Read Plato's Republic
Show steps
Provides a foundational understanding of political philosophy and the ideas of one of the most influential philosophers in history.
View
Plato: Complete Works Vol 1 (The Republic,...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the text carefully, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
-
Summarize the main arguments of each book.
-
Identify and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Plato's arguments.
-
Consider the implications of Plato's ideas for contemporary political thought.
Write a short essay on the role of government
Show steps
Helps students develop their critical thinking and writing skills while exploring a central theme of the course.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm ideas for your essay.
-
Research different perspectives on the role of government.
-
Develop a thesis statement.
-
Write a draft of your essay.
-
Revise and edit your essay.
Join a study group to discuss course materials
Show steps
Provides an opportunity for students to engage with the course material in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Show steps
-
Find a study group or create your own.
-
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
-
Share notes and ideas with each other.
-
Help each other understand difficult concepts.
Compile a list of resources on political philosophy
Show steps
Helps students organize and synthesize the wealth of information available on political philosophy, making it easier to access and retain.
Browse courses on
Political Philosophy
Show steps
-
Search for resources on political philosophy.
-
Evaluate the relevance and quality of the resources.
-
Organize the resources into a coherent list.
-
Share the list with other students or make it publicly available.
Review basic principles of logic
Show steps
Provides a stronger foundation in logic, which is essential for understanding and evaluating political arguments.
Browse courses on
Logic
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the basics of logic, such as syllogisms and fallacies.
- Practice identifying and evaluating arguments.
Review key concepts from high school history and government
Show steps
Refreshes students' knowledge of key historical and governmental concepts, providing a stronger foundation for the course material.
Browse courses on
History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key events and figures in American history.
- Review the structure and principles of the U.S. government.
Watch video tutorials on course topics
Show steps
Provides an alternative way to learn the course material and reinforce understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find video tutorials for the course.
- Watch the tutorials and take notes.
- Review the material covered in the tutorials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Take practice quizzes on course material
Show steps
Helps students assess their understanding of the course material and identify areas where they need additional support.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Locate practice quizzes for the course.
- Take the quizzes and review your results.
- Identify areas where you need additional study.
Read Plato's Republic
Show steps
Provides a foundational understanding of political philosophy and the ideas of one of the most influential philosophers in history.
View
Plato: Complete Works Vol 1 (The Republic,...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the text carefully, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
- Summarize the main arguments of each book.
- Identify and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Plato's arguments.
- Consider the implications of Plato's ideas for contemporary political thought.
Write a short essay on the role of government
Show steps
Helps students develop their critical thinking and writing skills while exploring a central theme of the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm ideas for your essay.
- Research different perspectives on the role of government.
- Develop a thesis statement.
- Write a draft of your essay.
- Revise and edit your essay.
Join a study group to discuss course materials
Show steps
Provides an opportunity for students to engage with the course material in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or create your own.
- Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
- Share notes and ideas with each other.
- Help each other understand difficult concepts.
Compile a list of resources on political philosophy
Show steps
Helps students organize and synthesize the wealth of information available on political philosophy, making it easier to access and retain.
Browse courses on
Political Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for resources on political philosophy.
- Evaluate the relevance and quality of the resources.
- Organize the resources into a coherent list.
- Share the list with other students or make it publicly available.
Career center
Learners who complete Revolutionary Ideas: Borders, Elections, Constitutions, Prisons will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Chief Elections Officer
Chief Elections Officer
The Chief Elections Officer oversees the administration of elections in a state or locality. This course would be helpful for Chief Elections Officers because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Chief Elections Officers do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and publish news stories. This course would be helpful for Journalists because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Journalists do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Diplomat
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their countries abroad and negotiate with foreign governments. This course would be helpful for Diplomats because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Diplomats do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Legislator
Legislator
Legislators create and pass laws that govern our society. This course would be helpful for Legislators because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Legislators do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Political Consultant
Political Consultant
Political Consultants advise candidates and political organizations on campaign strategy and public relations. This course would be helpful for Political Consultants because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Political Consultants do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate public policies. This course would be helpful for Public Policy Analysts because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Public Policy Analysts do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers are responsible for interpreting laws, representing clients, and advising on legal matters. This course would be helpful for Lawyers because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Lawyers do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Activist
Activist
Activists work to bring about social or political change. This course would be helpful for Activists because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Activists do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study the origins, development, and operation of political systems. This course would be helpful for Political Scientists because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Political Scientists and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Lobbyist
Lobbyist
Lobbyists represent special interests before government officials. This course would be helpful for Lobbyists because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Lobbyists do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Legal Scholar
Legal Scholar
Legal Scholars write and publish scholarly articles and books on legal topics. This course would be helpful for Legal Scholars because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Legal Scholars do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Law Professor
Law Professor
Law Professors teach law and legal theory at law schools. This course would be helpful for Law Professors because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Law Professors do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Electorate
Electorate
Electorate vote in elections and can elect representatives. This course would be helpful for the electorate because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that Electorate do, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Electoral College
Electoral College
The Electoral College elects the President and Vice President of the United States. This course would be helpful for the Electoral College because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. These topics are all relevant to the work that the Electoral College does, and this course would help them to build a foundation in these areas.
Politician
Politician
Politicians hold elected office and make decisions about public policy. This course may be useful for Politicians because it covers topics such as political philosophy, the role and importance of constitutions, and the role of crime and punishment within a political community. This course would help Politicians to build a foundation in these areas and have a deeper understanding of the issues they will face in their careers.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6cbpqd/revolutionary
Reading list
We've selected 20 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Revolutionary Ideas: Borders, Elections, Constitutions, Prisons.
A concise introduction to the key concepts of political philosophy, covering topics such as the nature of the state, justice, and freedom. Provides a foundational background for understanding the course material.
Explores the concept of justice and its various dimensions, providing a comprehensive overview of the philosophical underpinnings of justice.
An in-depth exploration of social contract theory, examining the arguments of key thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. Helps students critically engage with the concepts of authority and obligation discussed in the course.
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This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to political theory, covering key concepts, theories, and thinkers relevant to the course.
A seminal work on the nature of political power, arguing that power is not simply the ability to impose one's will on others, but also includes the ability to shape the agenda and control the terms of debate. Provides insights into the dynamics of power relations in political systems.
Save
A comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of law, covering topics such as the nature of law, legal reasoning, and the relationship between law and morality. Provides a solid foundation for understanding the philosophical debates surrounding legal institutions and principles explored in the course.
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A comparative analysis of electoral systems, examining their impact on political representation and the functioning of democratic institutions. Offers insights into the design and implications of different electoral models discussed in the course.
A powerful analysis of the systemic racism and mass incarceration in the United States, challenging the notion of a post-racial society. Raises critical questions about the role of criminal justice in the course's exploration of prisons and punishment.
Save
This classic work analyzes the American democratic system and its unique features, offering insights into the nature of democracy and its challenges.
A moving and inspiring memoir of a lawyer who works to defend the wrongfully convicted and condemned to death row. Provides a firsthand account of the human toll of the criminal justice system and the importance of fighting for justice.
A sweeping historical analysis of the emergence and evolution of political order, tracing its roots from pre-state societies to the formation of modern nation-states. Offers a broad perspective on the origins and foundations of political institutions.
A thought-provoking and popular history of humankind, exploring the evolutionary origins, cognitive capabilities, and cultural development of our species. Provides a broader context for understanding the development of political and social institutions.
Argues for the importance of individual liberty and limited government, providing a libertarian perspective on political institutions.
Another influential work of political philosophy, advocating for natural rights, limited government, and the consent of the governed. Provides a contrasting perspective to Hobbes's Leviathan and helps students understand the range of classical political thought.
A classic work of political philosophy, arguing that the state is necessary to protect individuals from the chaos and violence of the natural state. Provides a foundational text for understanding the concept of social contract and the nature of political authority.
A contemporary work of political theory, arguing for a conception of democracy that includes social and economic justice. Offers a critical perspective on the limits of liberal democracy and its implications for the course's exploration of the purpose of government.
A groundbreaking work of moral and political philosophy, proposing a theory of justice based on fairness and equality. Provides a challenging and thought-provoking framework for thinking about the distribution of goods and the principles of a just society.
A classic work on organizational behavior, exploring the choices individuals make when dissatisfied with an organization. Provides insights into the dynamics of political participation and the role of voice and exit in the course's discussion of elections and political representation.
Examines the nature and role of constitutions in different political systems, providing a comparative perspective on constitutionalism.
Examines the concept of an ideal constitution, exploring different models and theories of constitutional design.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6cbpqd/revolutionary
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Level
Introductory
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Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Instructor
Alexander Guerrero
Language
English
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Good to know
Explores legal and political ideas of philosophers like Plato, Kwame Anthony Appiah, and Michelle Alexander
Taught by Alexander Guerrero
Develops philosophical foundations for opinions and supports evaluations of others' views
Covers political institutions and systems with real-world examples, drawing from Aristotle and Montesquieu
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