Power over People: Classical and Modern Political Theory

by Dennis Dalton

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 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 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.

Genres: Politics, Philosophy, History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Sociology, Political Science

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some interesting things in this series of lectures, but not a particularly great course.

The way the course was constructed seemed weird. It really just throws the reader into the course by discussing Indian philosophy, without explaining what he plans to do with the course. The connection between Western political theory and Indian political theory is poorly made. Why the West and India? Why not the West and China?

In not doing a better job of framing the course, he leaves the reader wondering where they are. He also has a tendency to be wrong on basic facts. For someone who is a scholar of Indian thinking, he praises Gandhi without mentioning Ambedkar and Gandhi’s threat of violence to Dalits. This is not to say that he had to have a lecture on Ambedkar, but rather I think he is going through some of his sources uncritically.

[Ahmed yousry Ragab · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books i've read in my life!
A mind altering mix of philosophy, political theory and history which can put any knowledge lover at aww.

[Oliver Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decent lectures, but Dalton starts much better than he finishes — it’s all downhill once you get to Emma Goldman. Dalton was something of a name in his day, so you get much more of his interpretations than nuts-and-bolts analysis of the figures covered — but that’s fine. Good speaking voice even at 2x speed.

[Cav · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting course, but nothing special. Professor Dennis Dalton goes through many different political systems; using different people from history to make his point.
He covers the Hindu religion, Machiavelli, Sophocles Antigone, Socrates, Plato's Republic, Aristotle, Rousseau, Gandhi and Hitler (among others).
Dalton has a very dry and long-winded teaching style. I had to speed up the lectures to 1.6xs speed to be able to stomach his slow and arduous delivery.
Fans of political theory might like this course, but Dalton didn't really include anything profound in any of these lectures that you wouldn't have heard anywhere else.
I rate the course 5/10. I'll round it up to 3 stars on here.

[Fishy Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend chapter 13, Dostoevsky’s Grand Inquisitor, that explains why Hitler, Stalin, and Mao could brainwash and control people, and deprive them of their freedom.

"People want security, safety and authority. They don't want freedom.
Free choice is a torment. It requires critical thought.
Even worse, it requires criticizing accepted conventions and swimming against the tide of conformity.
It's far easier to obey and conform.
There can be release. There can be enjoy. In the safety of submission and not having to choose."

Apart from Dostoevsky’s Grand Inquisitor, the professor mentioned another two books:

1) Escape from Freedom by Erich Fromm
2) Thought control and the psychology of totalism by Robert Jay Lifton

I'am going to read all the three books.

[C. A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating course on political theory. It starts with ancient Indian philosophy, then goes through European history before coming back to India through Gandhi in the last lecture. Sadly, it completely forgoes the political theories of late antiquity and the middle ages. Is there really nothing between Aristotle and Machiaveli??? Big lolz
Good thing the subjects covered are covered interestingly and clearly.

Also, I did not expect it to be so focused on the psychology of governance.

Interesting remarks in the last lecture:
Hitler: "violence is our creed"
Gandhi: "non-violence is our creed"
Both say: "this will empower us!"

[Andre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why could I only keep thinking of Bill and Ted bringing Socrates back to modern day California :)

The recorded lectures make for a solid high-level overview of many political thinkers that I learned about years ago in college. For me, this course serves like a handy table of contents for the theories, ideas, and arguments that make up a good part of western political philosophy. I enjoyed the lecture style as I listened during my morning commute - this is a professor that I would have loved to have in school. What I'd like to do next is take some notes on the course PDF provided with the Audible download, jot down all the questions I would ask of the professor, and follow up on some of the works cited. Ultimately this course provided exactly what I wanted, which was a overview that inspires me to continue learning. I really hope to engender a love of the classics in my own kids when they are ready, and at least to give them accessible ways to glimpse the rich and interesting intellectual history behind the great modern systems of religion, government, and commerce. Anybody can understand the world a bit better by imagining a conversation between our modern political actors and these ancient and not-so-ancient thinkers. Highly recommended.

[Titus Hjelm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dalton is a fine lecturer, a bit different from the 'standard voice' on the Great Courses. He gets properly excited by Freud and although first suggesting a Cold War warrior attitude (this was recorded in 1991), actually manages an even if narrow portrait of Marx (all about the Manifesto, little about Capital). What bothered me is that the course jumped from Machiavelli to Rousseau, but nevertheless keeps referring to Hobbes and Locke. I wonder if this is some kind of abridged version, after all. Anyway, a solid intro, but perhaps too familiar for me to get excited about.

[Sean Finn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series made me understand that political theory is more about psychology than about efficient and effective governance. surely psychology is a worthwhile component when learning how to represent the people but I a surprised it is so deeply entrenched in the study. I did not find it as interesting as I thought I might, the series was heavily theoretical and there is little contemporary examples for which the theory is tied which, I think, found the series wanting.

[Kayson Fakhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lecture series gives a broad overview of political ideologies that knowing them is helpful to understand these chaotic days. I assume it's for beginners since I liked it with no background so if you're already halfway there then you might find it boring. Anyway, the lecturer is competent and easy to follow. Overall, a well-done series so give it a try if you want to have a big picture.

[Fountain Of Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another one I had to rush through before it left Audible Plus. What I appreciated about this is that it didn't overlap too much with TGC's other political science course: The prof didn't start with Greece, didn't have separate lectures about Hobbes or Locke, and spent entire lectures looking at political theory through the lens of literary figures (i.e. Dostoyevsky). A worth addition.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dennis Dalton, explained every ideology be it Idealism, Philosophy, Communism, Nationalism, Anarchism, by the theories written by Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, Freud, Karl Marx, Gandhi. The belief he had with Hinduism, explaining the truth, honesty, nationalism is remarkable.

[Benjamin Uke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to some of history's political theories and how they contrast, admittedly they cannot go in depth because it is a summary.
That all being said, the professor did an excellent job of contrasting how each of these ideas and worldviews complimented one another.

[Alyssa Macpherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting course, made more so by the era that the lecturer is speaking from.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.

[Carter Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series on political theory

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

CD course.

[Vince Greensill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the connections made throughout history.

[Nada | ندى · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterclass

[The Clerk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This course provides a good "sample platter" of philosophical views from various renowned philosophers.

[Bill Dauster · Rating 4 out of 5]

An examination of important political philosophies, Professor Dalton presents an idiosyncratic selection of topics, including the Hindu vision of life, but not a lecture on Hobbes, emphasizing extremists (Marx and Hitler) but giving short treatment to moderates and democrats.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic...clear, easy to understand. Enlightening.

[Wendy Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lectures on tape. I love this insight to the great leaders and writers of the world: Lenin, Dostoetsky, Theroux, Freud, Ghandi, Emma Goldman, Hitler.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting. Great to listen to while landscaping.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

9: Great lecture series.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this one. Good comparisons of leadership styles like Hitler v. Gandhi

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great survey would like to have more.

[Lily Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite Great Courses I’ve ever listened to. I took away so much and think about it nearly a year later

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man is born free and everywhere else he's in chains - Jean Jacques Roseau