Philosophy and the future of humanity: The Debate between Leo Strauss and Alexandre Kojève

LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY, DURATION: 5 WEEKS

Strauss and Kojève were among the most influential philosophers since the nineteenth century. After Strauss wrote his interpretation of Xenophon’s Hiero, he sought a review by Kojève, to which he wrote an extensive reply, taking the occasion to justify his whole approach to political philosophy. Both essays range over the meaning and history of philosophy and the possible futures for the human race given the possible alternatives. This course discusses these two essays as an entry into the fundamental practical and theoretical alternatives in our time.

In an upcoming course, we will examine Strauss’ reading of the Hiero by itself.

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DEMOCRACIES AND WHY THEY FAIL

LEVEL: iNTRODUCTORY, DURATION: 5 WEEKS

This is an introductory survey of the most important political philosophers and their teachings, including the moderns who are responsible for our self-understanding as citizens of what was until 7 minutes ago a liberal democracy.

We will discuss the broader teachings of key thinkers but the particular focus of this course will be the principles that underlie democracy and the ways in which democracies decline or fail.

The political philosophers we will discuss will include: Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, the authors of the Federalist Papers, Kant, Nietzsche and Leo Strauss.

Only upcoming courses will appear in the schedule. Check back for more courses if you don’t see one you like or sign up for email notifications