Watch The Modern Political Tradition: Hobbes to Habermas

The Modern Political Tradition: Hobbes to Habermas is a fascinating course offered by The Great Courses Signature Collection. The show explores the most significant thinkers and theories that have shaped modern political thought, from the seventeenth century philosopher Thomas Hobbes to the contemporary philosopher Jurgen Habermas.

The course is presented by Lawrence Cahoone, a professor of philosophy at the College of the Holy Cross, and is comprised of twenty-four half-hour lectures. Each lecture explores a different thinker, their ideas, and how their theories have impacted modern political philosophy.

The course begins with a discussion of Hobbes and his seminal work, Leviathan. Hobbes is perhaps best known for his idea of the social contract, which posits that individuals willingly give up their personal liberties in exchange for protection from the state. Professor Cahoone expertly unpacks this idea and explores its implications for modern political thought.

From there, the course moves on to other important political thinkers, such as John Locke, Rousseau, and Marx. Each philosopher's ideas are presented in a clear and concise manner, with Professor Cahoone breaking down complex theories and making them accessible to everyone.

One of the most fascinating parts of the course is the discussion of the different political ideologies that emerged during the twentieth century. Professor Cahoone provides a detailed overview of fascism, communism, liberalism, and conservatism, and explores their origins, values, and impact on modern political thought.

The course also covers the rise of postmodernism and its impact on political theory. Professor Cahoone expertly navigates the complex and often contentious world of postmodernism, exploring the various ways in which postmodern ideas have challenged and reimagined traditional political theory.

One of the standout features of The Modern Political Tradition: Hobbes to Habermas is the breadth of its coverage. The course touches on a variety of topics, from the role of the state to the nature of power to the relationship between individuals and society. Each lecture builds on the previous one, creating a comprehensive picture of modern political thought.

Overall, The Modern Political Tradition: Hobbes to Habermas is an engaging and thought-provoking course that will be of interest to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of modern political theory. Professor Cahoone's clear and accessible style makes this complex subject matter easy to understand, and the range of topics covered means that there is something for everyone. Whether you're a political science student or just someone who wants to better understand the world around you, this course is well worth your time.

The Modern Political Tradition: Hobbes to Habermas is a series that ran for 1 seasons (36 episodes) between May 30, 2014 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection