Dept Sem:Virtue and Politics

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

For over two millennia many political philosophers have argued that in order for there to be good political practice there is a need for virtuous individuals to administer the institutions of a political community. Without virtuous leaders there is a limited possibility that a political system can be stable, long-lasting, and direct its resources toward the common good of its citizens. In contrast, there are political thinkers, such as Machiavelli, who hold the view that privileging virtue over other factors can bring about the destruction of a political regime and its rulers. While a virtuous nature might be desirable, the security of a political community is best ensured when a more realistic, pragmatic, and expedient type of rule is exercised by the political elite. The central concern of this course will be on the relationship between virtue, pragmatism and expedience. The principal concept which will be examined throughout the course is grounded in the opposition between virtue and expedience. Can a political community remain secure and offer the conditions for its citizens to thrive solely by placing virtue as its highest consideration, or can exceptions be made if particular situations require non-virtuous behavior from a political community's leaders? Authors to be read will include Plato (Republic), Aristotle (Politics), Machiavelli (The Prince), and the American Founders (The Federalist). This course has been renumbered, effective Fall 2014. A student who earned credit for GOVT 355 Dept Sem: Virtue and Politics in a prior term should not enroll and cannot earn credit in this class.