Dissent: from Socrates to Snowden - 10 Weeks

Mon+Th, 6-8pm ET

10 weeks, Feb 10-Apr 17

Even in liberal societies, contradictions exist between what is lawful and what is just. In response to this tension, dissent always emerges. This course investigates political theories of dissent, and how they incorporate dissent or “civil disobedience” into coherent models of society. We refer to foundational texts in liberalism, libertarianism, and anarchism, as we examine case studies from the execution of Socrates; Thoreau’s "Plea" for abolitionist John Brown; Martin Luther King's nonviolent resistance; and the more recent mass surveillance whistleblower, Edward Snowden.

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Instructor: Erikk Geannikis is a PhD Candidate in philosophy at The Catholic University of America, specializing in Ancient Greek thought, philosophy of math and physics, and the history of ideas. He has taught philosophy, literature, and media studies for over ten years, and produces the podcast The Relentless Picnic.