Political Philosophy explores big questions about government, society, and justice. You'll dive into theories from thinkers like Plato, Hobbes, and Rawls. The class covers topics like the nature of political authority, individual rights, democracy, and social justice. You'll analyze different forms of government and debate the ideal structure of society.

Is Political Philosophy hard?

Political Philosophy can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The main difficulty comes from grappling with abstract concepts and dense philosophical texts. You'll need to think critically and develop strong arguments. Some students find it tough to wrap their heads around complex theories at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes more manageable and even pretty interesting.

Tips for taking Political Philosophy in college

Start with Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Read primary texts slowly and carefully - don't rush through Plato's Republic
Engage in class discussions - debating ideas helps solidify your understanding
Make connections between theories and real-world events
Watch political documentaries to see philosophy in action (e.g., "The Social Dilemma")
Form study groups to discuss and debate key concepts
Practice writing clear, concise arguments for essays
Keep up with current events to apply philosophical ideas to modern issues

Common pre-requisites for Political Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy: This course covers the basics of philosophical thinking and introduces major philosophical questions. It helps build a foundation for more specialized philosophy courses.
Ethics: This class explores moral theories and ethical decision-making. It's useful for understanding the moral dimensions of political philosophy.

Classes similar to Political Philosophy

Social and Political Theory: Examines various theories about society and politics from a sociological perspective. It often overlaps with political philosophy but with a more social science focus.
History of Political Thought: Traces the development of political ideas throughout history. It's like a historical version of political philosophy.
Contemporary Political Issues: Applies philosophical concepts to current political debates and problems. It's a more practical, real-world focused version of political philosophy.
Feminist Philosophy: Explores philosophical issues related to gender and feminism. It often intersects with political philosophy in discussions of power and equality.

Philosophy: Focuses on critical thinking, logic, and exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values. Students analyze complex ideas and develop strong argumentation skills.
Political Science: Studies government systems, political behavior, and public policies. Students learn about political institutions, international relations, and how political decisions are made.
Sociology: Examines human society, social behavior, and social institutions. Students analyze social structures, inequalities, and how individuals interact within larger social contexts.
History: Investigates past events, cultures, and societies to understand how they've shaped the present. Students develop research skills and learn to interpret historical sources critically.

What can you do with a degree in Political Philosophy?

Policy Analyst: Researches and analyzes public policies for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. They use their critical thinking skills to evaluate the potential impacts of different policy options.
Lawyer: Applies philosophical reasoning and argumentation skills in legal contexts. Many political philosophy graduates go on to law school and specialize in areas like constitutional law or human rights.
Journalist: Reports on political issues and current events, using their understanding of political theories to provide in-depth analysis. They might work for newspapers, online media outlets, or broadcast news organizations.
Political Consultant: Advises political candidates or organizations on campaign strategies and policy positions. They use their knowledge of political theory to help shape effective messages and policies.