1. Introduction: What is Political Philosophy?

Introduction to Political Philosophy (PLSC 114) Professor Smith discusses the nature and scope of "political philosophy." The oldest of the social sciences, the study of political philosophy must begin with the works of Plato and Aristotle, and examine in depth the fundamental concepts and categories of the study of politics. The questions "which regimes are best?" and "what constitutes good citizenship?" are posed and discussed in the context of Plato's Apology. 00:00 - Chapter 1. What Is Political Philosophy? 12:16 - Chapter 2. What Is a Regime? 22:19 - Chapter 3. Who Is a Statesman? What Is a Statesman? 27:22 - Chapter 4. What Is the Best Regime? Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses This course was recorded in Fall 2006.