OVERVIEW

The course introduces the major themes in western political thought from ancient times to contemporary public life – the idea of democracy, the principles of political obligation, constitutionalism, utopianism, the concept of civil and political rights, the relation between economy and politics. – by analyzing their conceptual development in the works of major authors, and by focusing on the link between such themes and the social and institutional contexts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aim of the course: gaining knowledge and understanding of the outlines of the history of political thought from Antiquity to the twentieth century, reconstructed through historical contextualization and the critical analysis of the reflections of the most significant authors.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims:

- Defining context and purpose of the history of political thought

- Assessing the main themes of Western political thought by way of precise and specific lectures

- Introducing students to the knowledge of the most important works in the history of political thought

- Supplying intellectual tools in order to grasp the meaning of contemporary debates

Learning Outcomes:

- Comprehension and commentary of classic and contemporary texts

- Reinforcement of argumentative skills as to political issues

- Ability to grasp the historical and conceptual roots of contemporary debates

PREREQUISITES

- Interest for political phenomena

- Basic knowledge of historical eras and philosophical schools

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lectures, reading of classic, modern and contemporary texts plus direct participation of students by means, as well, of the online platform Aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The Paradoxes of Freedom: Democracy, Non-conformity and New Rights in Western Political Thought 

The course will focus on the long-lasting tradition of philosophical and political thought, running from early modernity till the present day, which questions the legitimacy of collective power, conformity and majoritarianism in the light of the individual, her/his rights and capabilities. We will try to reconsider its history as well as to appreciate why reasoning on individualism, liberty and human flourishing could help us in the understanding of contemporary political dilemmas.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For students who attend classes on a regular basis

1) Two books chosen among the following:

- E. Illouz, Tecnologie emotive. Come il tecnocapitalismo sfrutta la nostra soggettività, Roma, Castelvecchi, 2026;

- E. de La Boetie, Discorso sulla servitù volontaria, Milano, Garzanti, 2025;

- E. Meijer, Il soldato era un delfino. Animali e politica, Milano, Nottetempo, 2025;

- M. Stirner, La società degli straccioni. Critica del Liberalismo, del Comunismo, dello Stato e di Dio, Firenze, Editrice Clinamen, 2023;

- H. D. Thoreau, Disobbedienza civile, Milano, SE edizioni, 2024;

- S. Weil, Appunti sulla soppressione dei partiti politici, Bologna, Marietti1820, 2021.

2) A book chosen among the following:

- H. Kelsen, La democrazia, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2010 (pages. 43-72, 101-116, 141-203, 219-274);

- J. S. Mill - H. Taylor, Sull'uguaglianza e l'emancipazione femminile, Milano, Edizioni Società Aperta, 2022;

- B. Tucker, Libertà individuale, Aprilia, Ortica editrice, 2025 (pages 15-140, 357-414).

For students who cannot attend classes on a regular basis

1) Three books chosen among the following:

- E. Illouz, Tecnologie emotive. Come il tecnocapitalismo sfrutta la nostra soggettività, Roma, Castelvecchi, 2026;

- E. de La Boetie, Discorso sulla servitù volontaria, Milano, Garzanti, 2025;

- E. Meijer, Il soldato era un delfino. Animali e politica, Milano, Nottetempo, 2025;

- M. Stirner, La società degli straccioni. Critica del Liberalismo, del Comunismo, dello Stato e di Dio, Firenze, Editrice Clinamen, 2023;

- H. D. Thoreau, Disobbedienza civile, Milano, SE edizioni, 2024;

- S. Weil, Appunti sulla soppressione dei partiti politici, Bologna, Marietti1820, 2021.

2) A book chosen among the following:

- H. Kelsen, La democrazia, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2010 (pages. 43-72, 101-116, 141-203, 219-274);

- J. S. Mill - H. Taylor, Sull'uguaglianza e l'emancipazione femminile, Milano, Edizioni Società Aperta, 2022;

- B. Tucker, Libertà individuale, Aprilia, Ortica editrice, 2025 (pages 15-140, 357-414).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Around February 15, 2027.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will be carried out by means of an oral test.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final test will ascertain the students’ knowledge and  comprehension of classic and contemporary texts, the reinforcement of their argumentative skills as to political issues and the ability to grasp the historical and conceptual roots of contemporary debates.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who cannot attend classes on a regular basis, are kindly asked to get in touch with prof. Giordano by writing an e-mail to alberto.giordano@edu.unige.it. Students are kindly asked, as well, to register on the online platform Aulaweb before lessons begin.