Left to right, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are three influential philosophers whose ideas have significantly shaped political theory and the understanding of the social contract. Each thinker offered distinct perspectives on the nature of human beings, the origins of political authority, and the formation of societies. Join Georgetown professor Joseph Hartman as he explores each of these thinkers in individual lectures.
Following the series, Hartman hosts a smaller-capacity, interactive discussion about these men, their works, and the connections among their philosophies on December 11. Note: This December 11 follow-up discussion is available by registering for the 4-session series option only.
September 25 Contemplating Hobbes
“Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” This is perhaps the most famous line that English political philosopher Hobbes ever penned—and yet these well-known, deeply pessimistic words merely touch the surface of his wide-ranging political thought. Hartman examines Hobbes’ masterwork, Leviathan, and takes a deep dive into his ideas and influence. Explore Hobbes’ account of the “state of nature” and the social contract and consider how his answers to questions regarding political sovereignty, political order, and human nature are the basis for concepts of politics and statecraft.
November 6 Contemplating Locke
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Most Americans know that Thomas Jefferson penned the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, but far fewer of us know the source of his words—the liberal political theory of Locke. In his relatively brief Second Treatise on Government, Locke, known as the father of liberalism, set forth all the basic elements of what we now understand to be modern constitutional democracy. Hartman explores Locke’s ideas and their connections to both the founding of the United States and liberal political theory.
December 4 Contemplating Rousseau
“Our souls have been corrupted in proportion to the advancement of our sciences and arts toward perfection.” These words, written by Rousseau in the 18th century, inspired a movement that questioned the West’s unqualified celebration of progress by posing the question of whether scientific and cultural advancement led to the degradation of the human. This mode of thought critical of “enlightenment” remains very much alive in modern politics. Hartman considers Rousseau’s arguments in First Discourses and Second Discourses, as well as the impact they have had on the sweep of political thought ever since.
3 sessions
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