1. Introduction: What is Political Philosophy?

The podcast is an introductory lecture on political philosophy, exploring its nature, significance, and fundamental questions. It begins by defining political philosophy as both a subfield and a foundation of political science, emphasizing the importance of studying great thinkers while acknowledging the dangers of antiquarianism. The lecture addresses why political science continues to study classic texts, highlighting their enduring relevance in framing basic questions. It introduces the concept of the regime as a central theme, discussing its forms, foundations, and relation to conflict and the common good. The lecture concludes by examining the tension between the best regime and actual regimes, positioning political philosophy as a quest for knowledge driven by a desire for the ideal, and encourages students to engage with Plato's "Apology of Socrates."