SEMINAR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE*

概要

We see the world NOT as IT IS, but as WE ARE, a famous aphorism has it. Ever since we developed consciousness human beings have been “haunted” by existential questions regarding our origin, our position vis-a-vis the universe, the meaning and significance of our existence. Historically, all human communities have needed a collective story around their understanding of themselves that would provide support in their personal and collective struggles to adjust to the disturbances of human life patterns. Whether positioned within the relationship with the divine, with other humans or with the natural universe, central in these stories has been the definition of themselves “as” humans. This perception has also represented the fundamental blueprint on which they have DESIGNED and CREATED their societies in their cultural, economic and political expressions. At the beginning of the 21st century, we too are faced with the same perennial questions and challenges as our predecessors. But we are also facing never-before-seen crises that threaten our very existence. Although not a task we have chosen for ourselves, we have nevertheless the privilege and the responsibility to answer these questions anew: Who are WE? What does it mean to be human in the 21st century? How do we define ourselves and why in this way? What does this say about us, our relationship with each other and our world, what we value and seek to protect? The answers to these questions represent the blueprint based on which, consciously or not, we are DESIGNING OUR FUTURE and MAKING IT A REALITY.

目標

Everyone agrees we need change. As Gandhi urged however, we need to BE the change. But, to paraphrase Max Planck, to change ourselves we have to change the way WE LOOK AT ourselves. And that means we have to address our dominant story and its foundational definition of the “human”. In this course I invite you on a journey through the various stories our predecessors have told about themselves and the implications of their definitions. I believe that, outside of the historical particularities that frame their stories, we can draw inspiration, courage and a larger sense of vision from their teachings. By the end of the course I expect everyone to have formulated their OWN definition of the “human” and the political VISION required to bring forth the kind of world we wish to CREATE for ourselves and our children.

授業外の学習

Review previous class 90 minutes Prepare for the following class and do the readings 100 minutes

所要時間: 190 minutes per lecture