This course is intended as an introduction to the most significant ideas, issues and individuals associated with the history of British political thought from 1800 to the present day. Covering the practical changes that saw Britain evolve into a modern democracy, as well as the intellectual changes that saw a growing tension between theory and action, the discussions will be relevant to anyone interested in the nature of constitutions, the emergence of social movements, the revision of the concepts of liberty and democracy in the age of commercial society, and the changing role and impact of political theory.
Placing each topic within its proper historical context, the course will work on two levels: one charting the change in ambition within political theory as a vocation (from the grand theories associated with the classical age of Enlightenment, through the crises of confidence during the 20th century and on to the more circumscribed aims of today); and the other reflecting on the evolution of political theory as a profession (noting its increasingly specialised role within academia, and its changing relationship with public life and culture).
Among the themes covered will be the distinctive strengths and weaknesses of the British Constitution; the changing dynamics of power between the Monarchy, the House of Lords and the House of Commons; the emergence of professional political parties and social movements; the campaigns for political rights by working men and women during the 19th and early 20th centuries; the attempts to update the respective traditions of socialism, liberalism and conservatism; and the evolving debate concerning the most coherent, constructive and relevant role for political theory in the modern world.
Learning outcomes
- An understanding of the key methodological issues relating to the study of the history
of ideas;
- A good basic knowledge of all the individual theorists and theories covered in the course, along with an awareness of the impact of each theory upon the institutions and attitudes not only of the era in which they were conceived and adapted;
- A sound and constructive appreciation of the implications of each theory’s legacy, both for thought and action.
