PHI 394-01 - Advanced Studies in Theories of Value: Arendt

4 credits (Spring)

Hannah Arendt is arguably one of the most important political theorists of the twentieth century. Her work defies easy comprehension or categorization, and while it is unquestionably original and illuminating, at times it is confusing and, some contend, even contradictory. In this class we will consider some of the most significant of Arendt’s writings. We will consider her accounts of totalitarianism, violence, power, freedom, and action. Beginning with her doctoral essay on St. Augustine, we will work our way through some of the texts that made her famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) including “The Origins of Totalitarianism”, “The Human Condition”, and “Eichmann in Jerusalem” as well as some of her most important essays. We will then turn to critics of Arendt and conclude the semester by reading Elizabeth Young-Breuhl’s recent book, Why Arendt Matters.

Prerequisite: Third-year standing and two of the following: PHI 234, PHI 235, PHI 242, PHI 263, PHI 264, PHI 265, PHI 268, PHI 336, PHI 393.
Instructor: Meehan