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Power over People: Classical and Modern Political Theory

By: Dennis Dalton, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Dennis Dalton
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Publisher's Summary

What is the connection between individual freedom and social and political authority? Are human beings fundamentally equal or unequal? In 16 in-depth lectures, Professor Dalton puts the key theories of power formulated by several of history's greatest minds within your reach.

These lectures trace two distinct schools of political theory, idealism and realism, from their roots in ancient India and Greece through history and, ultimately, to their impact on the 20th century - via the lives and ideas of two charismatic, yet utterly disparate leaders: Adolph Hitler and Mahatma Gandhi. The issues Professor Dalton addresses in these lectures - and in Western political theory generally - fall into three sets of fundamental questions you'll get to unpack. The first set involves the essential characteristics of human nature and the good society. The second focuses on the intricate relationship between the individual and society. And the final set of questions involves theories about change.

Through these lectures and their historical case studies, you'll be able to identify the fundamental questions and concerns that shape classical and modern political theory:

  • Describe the influence of one's understanding of human nature upon one's vision of the good society.
  • Compare and contrast the views of theorists regarding the purpose of the state, the relationship between politics and ethics, and the qualifications for exercising political power.
  • Discuss views of leading political theorists regarding the meaning of freedom, the sources of legitimate political authority, and the obligations of individuals to the state or society, and more.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1991 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1991 The Great Courses

What listeners say about Power over People: Classical and Modern Political Theory

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Fascinating and Riveting

16 one hour vignettes covering the great thinkers who helped shape western policical culture. Amazing.

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Fantastic Delivery

Professor Dalton's delivery is amazing. I'm hoping for a modern (21st century) focus next time.

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Who needs TV

I loved this. I listened to their either on double speed whilst out walking trails of a morning, or whilst unpacking and setting up in a new house and every lecture wove the person, their philosophies, their place and time period, their contributions to our experiences and understandings of different forms of power together with an enthusiasm for the content and delightful insightful knowledge of the story of hero’s journeys and lived embodies life lessons surrounding these historical events. Perfect way to double down on my uni course material and speed through people and topics I’m endlessly intrigued with. I have an ADHD brain and being able to engage with lectures/material at faster speeds with the audible app, and through high quality lectures has been a game changer for me. No more spending hours on a paper or chapter of a text when I can listen to 5 lectures on the material on the same amount of time whilst out in natural environments getting the dopamine going and the body exercised. THANK YOU!!!

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Engaging, riveting and enlightening! Great stuff

This is my first encounter with this lecture-style piece on Audible. I must say it is far more engaging than mere narration.

If you have some degree of interest in politics or the organising of social groups, you have to listen to this.

I absolutely love this, and do encourage anyone who is on the fence, to go for it!

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Great Summary/Primer of Political Philosophy

I really enjoyed these lectures.

Dalton's words were thought provoking and emotive; he spoke to these often contradictory and sometimes disturbing conceptions of power as if he were a fervent believer, which makes listening all the more compelling.

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Seriously good.

This was a very well presented and researched series. At times entertaining and at times enlightening. Nicely done.

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A great intro in to political theory

I enjoyed each chapter of this series. Dennis Dalton produces a compelling connecting narrative that brings the theories back to life. Relevance of the examination of the theories and strategies has never been more relevant.

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A very worthwhile companion to my study.

This audiobook was an incredibly valuable tool in learning about the dominant political ideologies which have largely shaped our world. I listened to it on and off over 6 months as I was studying my Masters degree in a similarly related field and I found it such a useful companion to my studies. The author's voice was clear, passionate and easy to listen to. The content and his story-telling style tied many topics together to create a sense of continuity throughout the lectures. I highly recommend this audiobook.

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Highly recommended

One of the best Courses I’ve ever listened to.
Very clear and informative. Great delivery.
Thank you.

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slow clap for this course

Great content. The canned faux applause at the start and end of each lecture provides a certain irony, in amongst an earnest search for truth.

Perhaps this represents the adoration the philosopher deserves but seldom receives. Or vice versa.

In any case a wonderful lecture series.

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