Lectures / Disk 4
A.DVDS
Power Over People: Classical and Modern Political Theory (Part II)
Prof. Dennis Dalton (Barnard College/Columbia University)
DISK 4.1
Lecture 9: Rousseau’s Theory of Human Nature and Society
In this lecture philosophical assumptions and conclusions of Plato and Rousseau are compared and contrasted regarding human nature, the relationship between ethics and politics and the ideal state. You will become further informed of the Romantic idealism between Rousseau and Marx as well as between both of them and Plato.
Lecture 10: Marx’s Critique of Capitalism and Solution of Communism
Marx’s life is summarized in this lecture as well as his vision of man’s natural state compared and contrasted to that of Rousseau’s. Marx’s critique of the capitalist system of production is also summarized.
Lecture 11: Freud’s Theory of Human Nature and Civilization
Sigmund Freud the ‘father’ of psychology known to all for his pessimistic vision of man is contrasted here with the optimistic visions of both Rousseau and Marx. Freud’s theory of the self will be described and compared with similar theories, held by Rousseau, Marx, Plato and the Hindus.
Lecture 12: Thoreau’s Theory and Civil Disobedience
This lecture deals with Thoreau’s views on the relationship between ethics and politics, his concepts of freedom, compared to views held by Plato and Aristotle, as well as his theory of civil disobedience.
DISK 4.2
Lecture 13: Dostoyevsky’s Grand Inquisitor
From Dostoyevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov,” The Grand Inquisitor’s understanding of human nature and how it shapes his concepts of freedom and state power are examined in this lecture. Furthermore, Christ’s understanding of human nature, freedom, and power is compared with and contrasted to the ‘Inquisitor’s’ view.
Lecture 14: The Idea of Anarchism and the Example of Emma Goldman
Professor Dalton discusses anarchism by examining origins, meanings and principles of ‘anarchy’. Emma Goldman’s critique of Marxism is also discussed and her autobiography “Living my Life” which describes how her father’s oppression lead her to rebel.
Lecture 15: Hitler’s Use of Power
Adolf Hitler’s politics of exclusion are examined by professor Dalton, who offers three possible explanations of why Hitler succeeded in imposing his politics
Lecture 16: Gandhi’s Use of Power
Gandhi’s concept of freedom and his nonviolent views on political power are compared with and contrasted to Hitler’s methods, goals, and skills.