Introduction to Philosophy
Instructor:
James Ransom
March 1, 2013
PREPARATION FOR MARCH
5 CLASS SESSION
1. Review
Bossuet
·
Review the full table of contents of Bossuet’s
work, Politics Drawn from the Very Words
of Holy Scripture
·
Review Bossuet’s dedication to the Dauphin (1-2)
·
Read the excerpt defending hereditary monarchy
o Examine
Bossuet’s citations to Scripture.
Do they provide persuasive support for the conclusions
(“Propositions”)he draws?
o Do
the Propositions form a logical sequence or progression? Does each proposition build on those
laid down previously?
o Does
Bossuet rule out the potential suitability of governments other than monarchy?
o Examine
the eighth proposition:
“Monarchical government is the best.”
§
Which of Bossuet’s arguments still seem persuasive
today? Which do not?
After
concluding your initial reading of Bossuet, reflect on this issue for class
discussion: What enduring value
does a work like Bossuet’s retain today, long removed from the polemical and
political context in which he wrote?
Is Bossuet of purely historical interest, or does his underlying method
retain some current relevance?
2. Begin
Hobbes’s Leviathan
We will initiate discussion of Hobbes on
Tuesday, and continue through Thursday.
Leviathan will also be the
subject of your essay.
Background: Kenny, 41-49, 283-289
Text:
Hobbes, Leviathan (excerpts)
in Steven M. Cahn, ed., Political
Philosophy: The Essential Texts,
Oxford: 2005
Look to the blog this weekend for some
outline materials and other updates on Hobbes.
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