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ADELEKE UNIVERSITY
PHL 105: Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy
Course Outline for 1st semester, 2023/24 Session
Course Lecturer: A.O. Adesina
Course Description
✓ This course examines the origin, meaning, issues and history of social and political philosophy.
The course blends conceptual with historical treatment of some socio-political theories of
society and state that had considerable influence on modern thought and practice. The course
shall also examine the political philosophies of some Western and African Political
Philosophers.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students must:
1. have a good understanding of Social and Political Philosophy
2. be familiar with the central issues of Social and Political Philosophy: notions of individual
and society, the origin of the state, justice, liberty, equality, political obligations, leadership,
crime and punishment, etc.
3. appreciate their role as citizens and help shape their relationship with other constituents of
society
4. be familiar with some select socio-political thoughts and theories as it pertains to the state and
society
5. know the distinguishing features of Western and African Political Philosophies
6. understand the nexus between politics, social and political philosophy and governance as well
as the relevance of social and political philosophy to progress and development in the society.

Course Content
I. Conceptualising Social and Political Philosophy

II. The Origin of the State

III. Understanding Socio-Political Concepts & Issues with Spatio-temporal Dimensions

IV. Crime and Punishment
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V. History of Western Political Thought: Ancient to Contemporary

VI. African Socio-Political Philosophy

Recommended Texts
1. Adeleye Adesina (2014). “Political Philosophy” in Introduction to Philosophy and Logic.
Directorate of GSP, Redeemer’s University, Nigeria
2. Joseph Omoregbe (2007). Socio-Political Philosophy and International Relations: A
Systematic and Historical Study. Joja Educational Research and Publishers Limited, Lagos.
3. Mukherjee, S., Ramaswamy, S. (2007). A History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx. Prentice
Hall of India Private Limited, New Delhi
4. Andrew Gamble (1988). An Introduction to Modern Social and Political Thought. Macmillan
Educational Books, London.
5. Gideon-Cyrus M Mutiso and S.W. Rohio (eds.) (1987). Readings in African Political Thought.
Heinemann, London.
6. Arneson, Richard, “Political Philosophy,” in Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/467661/political-philosophy
7. A. Appadorai (1975). The Substance of politics. Oxford University press, New Delhi.